Manhasset 2023_05_19

STATE AID BOOSTS SCHOOL SPENDING

Post narrowly defeats Aitken in Manhasset

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Challenger Ted Post defeated Manhasset Board of Education President Patricia Aitken in Tuesday’s election, which also the passing of the district’s $107.7 million budget.

Post received 1,352 votes compared to Aitken’s 1,042. The budget was also approved with 1,681 votes in favor compared to 696 against.

The newly-elected trustee said he looks forward to meeting with community stakeholders to find ways for the district to continue providing a beneficial education for students.

“I am very excited and humbled to be elected as a trustee to the Manhasset Board of Education,” Post said in a statement to Blank Slate Media. “I am also very much looking forward to engaging with our administration, teachers, staff, coaches and our community to deliver the absolute best educational experience we can for our children.”

Post has over 25 years of experience in the banking world and has overseen financial, legal, operational and IT teams. He has also served two terms on the Manhasset Athletic Advisory Committee and has coached a variety of athletic teams.

Aitken was named president of the board in 2019, succeeding former Trust-

ee Regina Rule, who served in the role for six years.

The budget is a 3% increase from the current budget, which does not exceed the allowed 2.97% tax levy increase.

The budget increased by more than $3 million, while the tax levy grew from

Bus rides were part of the

Fair earlier this month.

Santos pleads not guilty to 13-count indictment

$94.3 million in 2022 to $97.1 million this year, according to officials.

The driving forces of the budget’s growth include a $1.8 million total increase in benefits, a $620,000 increase in compensation and a $681,000 increase

Continued on Page 46

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded not guilty on Wednesday afternoon to a 13-count indictment, which includes allegations of wire fraud, theft of pub-

lic funds and making false statements to Congress.

The charges against Santos, whose fraudulent resume was exposed by the New York Times and other media outlets earlier this year,

include seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds and two counts of making materially false statements to Congress, officials an-

Continued on Page 45

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MANHASSET SCHOOL DISTRICT

Manhasset SCA

Upsets incumbent ed board prez as voters approve $107.7M budget

“I am also very much looking forward to engaging with our administration.. and our community to deliver the absolute best educational experience we can for our children.”

— Ted Post

State aid boosts local school spending

Port to receive $19.2 million, second highest locally

million and East Williston’s $7.4 million, according to the budget fgures.

The 11 local school districts’ state aid will increase by an average of $4.2 million or 31.6%, an analysis by Blank Slate Media shows.

The Sewanhaka Central High School District will receive more than $71.6 million, the highest out of all districts analyzed, while the Manhasset School District’s $6.2 million in state aid is the lowest.

Herricks received the largest yearto-year increase in state aid after receiving $18.2 million in 2022-23. The smallest increase was in New Hyde Park-Garden City Park, which received an increase shy of $2 million or 18.1%, according to the fgures.

Herricks also received the largest percentage increase with a 47.1% rise in state aid from last year, while New Hyde Park-Garden City Park received the lowest percentage increase with 18.1%.

The average state aid each local district will receive per pupil is more than $4,800, based on district enrollment for the 2022-23 school year.

Sewanhaka will receive $9,215 of state aid funds for each of the district’s 7,770 students, according to the data, the most among all districts. Manhasset will receive $2,100 for each of the district’s $2,957 students, the lowest among all districts.

M-L to discuss ambulance plan

Fire department will meet on May 23

BY BRANDON DUFFY

The Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department will be holding a public meeting on Tuesday, May 23 at Company #2 in Manhasset to discuss a proposed station for the department’s ambulance unit.

If built, the building would move the unit from its current location at Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company #3 in Great Neck to Cumberland Avenue, the department said in a statement on Facebook.

The station would feature three bays for ambulances and a frst-response vehicle. Responding to over 1,200 calls annually, a new home would allow for faster response times and more stafng, the department said.

The fre department is part of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire and Water District, which owns the proposed land and takes in all of Manhasset except for Plandome, half of Great Neck and some of northern New Hyde Park.

The district serves approximately 45,000 customers within a service area of 10.2 square miles, according to its website.

mately $10 million.

“A dedicated ambulance unit will allow our frst responders to have the space and resources they need to do the critically important service they provide to the community here in Nassau County,” Sillitti said in a statement at the time of the announce-

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

The 11 public school districts in the North Shore will receive more than $204 million in state aid for the 2023-24 school year thanks to a 7.1% increase in assistance to New York’s school districts.

Long Island as a whole will see a $771 million increase in state aid as part of a budget that provides $31.3 billion in school assistance — a $2.1 billion increase from last year.

Last year, Long Island received nearly a $450 million increase in state aid.

Robert Schneider, the executive

director of the state’s school board association said in a statement earlier this month that “the foundation aid formula, frst created in 2007 and intended to provide a sound, basic education for all students, is fully funded for the frst time. This achievement cannot be overstated and must not be overlooked.”

Herricks will receive $26.7 million in state aid in the coming school year, followed by Port Washington’s $19.2 million, Great Neck’s $14.9 million, Mineola’s $14.6 million, New Hyde Park-Garden City Park’s $12.1 million, Roslyn’s $12 million, Floral Park-Bellerose’s $10.3 million, North Shore’s $9.7

New Hyde Park-Garden City Park will receive $7,339 for their 1,648 students, Floral Park-Bellerose will receive $6,431 for their 1,603 students, Herricks will receive $5,418 for their 4,930 students, Mineola will receive $5,089 for their 2,875 students, East Williston will receive $4,642 for their 1,601 students, North Shore will receive $3,808 for their 2,551 students, Port Washington will receive $3,644 for their 5,270 students, Roslyn will receive $3,642 for their 3,294 students and Great Neck will receive $2,180 for their 6,821 students, according to the data.

Great Neck had the second-largest reported 2022-23 enrollment with more than 6,800 students while East Williston’s 1,601 students was the lowest enrollment fgure out of all the school districts.

Continued on Page 46

A state grant of $1 million was secured by state Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (D-Port Washington) in 2022 and goes toward the $3 million that has already been allotted for the project.

District ofcials project the total cost of the new unit to be approxi-

ment.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 23 at Company #2 at 2 Community Drive East, Manhasset.

Herald Courier: Brandon Duffy 516-307-1045 x215 • bduffy@theisland360.com

: Deborah Flynn 516-307-1045 x218

Manhasset Times: Robert Pelaez 516-307-1045 x203 • rpelaez@theisland360.com

Roslyn Times: Cameryn Oakes 516-307-1045 x214 • coakes@theisland360.com

Williston Times: Brandon Duffy 516-307-1045 x215 • bduffy@theisland360.com

Port Washington Times: Cameryn Oakes 516-307-1045 x214 • coakes@theisland360.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Gov. Kathy Hochul.

PHOTO BY BRANDON DUFFY

Manhasset-LakevilleCompany No. 2 Firehouse, located on Community Drive East in Manhasset.

“A dedicated ambulance unit will allow our frst responders to have the space and resources they need to do the critically important service they provide to the community here in Nassau County.”

— Gina Sillitti STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN

Epstein, Gilliar re-elected to Port board

Incumbents retain seats as voters also approve $184.3M budget for 2023-24 school year

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Port Washington Board of Education members Julie Epstein and Rachel Gilliar were re-elected Tuesday night, as residents voted them both for another term and for the school district’s budget to be implemented.

Residents also voted to adopt the district’s 2023-2024 budget of $184,265,295 with a 2.63% tax levy increase.

The budget received 1,951 affirmative votes and 522 negative votes.

The newly adopted budget is increasing by 5.39%, compared to the district’s 2022-2023 budget established at $174.8 million.

The tax levy for 2023-2024 is $154.5 million, a 2.63% increase from the prior tax levy of $150.6 million.

The district’s current enrollment is estimated at 5,273 students, according to the last enrollment report provided at the board’s May 2 meeting. This is 40 more students than the district had at the same time last year, according to Assistant Superintendent Christopher Shields.

Based on the most recent enrollment numbers provided by the district, the 2023-2024 budget would approximate $34,945 in spending per pupil.

Voting occurred Tuesday from 6

a.m. until 10 p.m. in the all purpose room at Weber Middle School.

The two trustees re-elected faced an election unopposed. They will both serve another three-year term which begins on July 1 and concludes on June

30, 2026.

Epstein was elected for a second term on the board of education, receiving 1,912 votes.

Epstein previously told Blank Slate that she ran for re-election because she

wants to continue helping move the school district forward.

She said her goal is to work with the board with the intent to serve the school district and its students to the highest degree, being proactive rather

than reactive. She said she has no special interests but wants to work for the students and their district.

“I have enjoyed my time on the board and it has been one of the greater

Continued on Page 51

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Port Washington School District residents voted to re-elect Julie Epstein and Rachel Gilliar to the board of education.

Hassenbeins honor son with foundation

Organization in memory of fallen Roslyn teen to help underprivileged kids explore tennis

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The death of Drew Hassenbein, a 14-year-old rising tennis star from Roslyn, has been a tragedy to the community and beyond.

But the Hassenbein family is ensuring his legacy lives on in the tennis community through the establishment of the Drew Hassenbein Foundation, a 5013c that to help underprivileged kids explore tennis.

A GoFundMe page has helped the foundation raise nearly $300,000 to date.

Drew Hassenbein and fellow teammate Ethan Falkowitz, also 14, were killed on May 3 when they were hit by a car operated by an alleged drunk driver. Both were Roslyn Middle School students playing on the Roslyn High School boys varsity tennis team.

The two boys were in the car with Roslyn High School varsity tennis teammates and Roslyn High School students Zach Sheena, 17, and Ethan Solop, 16, on their way back from a dinner celebrating a match victory over Syosset High School, according to multiple reports.

Sheena and Solop were treated in a hospital for internal injuries and were in stable condition, the Nassau County Police said.

The driver of the Dodge Ram that

struck their car, Roslyn resident Amandeep Singh, 34, was arrested and treated at a local hospital for minor injuries, according to police.

Singh was charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter leaving the scene of an auto accident with a fatality, driving while intoxicated and two counts of second-degree assault.

Drew Hassenbein was at one point the No. 1-ranked tennis player in the nation for the Boys 12 and Under division. He was already being scouted by nationally acclaimed college tennis programs, despite only being in eighth grade, according to reports.

“My son was on a great path and I believe there are other kids out there that can achieve that if they are shown the right way and have the right support,” Mitch Hassenbein, Drew Hassenbein’s father, said. “So hopefully the Drew Hassenbein Foundation will be an avenue for that.”

Mitch Hassenbein said the purpose of the charity foundation is to help underprivileged kids who seek to follow young, rising tennis players like his son in their pursuit.

“If you don’t have some means, you almost can’t get the racket, the equipment, the training to try to make it in the sport,” Mitch Hassenbein said.

He said the family is still in the process of establishing the foundation, but are working to get it up and running as soon as possible. In the meantime, they started a GoFundMe to start raising money immediately.

In one week, nearly $300,000 have been donated to the foundation through 2,400 donations. The goal is to raise $500,000.

The top donation comes from “Venmo Contributions from Tennis Community, Friends, and Family,” which donated $7,657 early in the fundraiser.

Donators have the opportunity to share words of support, with 125 posting messages to share their condolences and support with the Hassenbein family.

“Our family is devastated by his loss and is so appreciative of the incredible outpouring of support and people’s desire to help,” the GoFundMe bio states.

Mitch Hassenbein said the family was inspired to establish this foundation to keep Drew Hassenbein’s legacy alive.

“He was a special boy and we want to try to continue his legacy for him, and parent his legacy through something good,” he said. “Finding young kids, introducing them to tennis and supporting young, aspiring juniors with the sport would be a great way to keep his memory alive.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF LONG ISLAND TENNIS MAGAZINE

Roslyn varsity tennis player Drew Hassenbein, shown here in a match last season, was one of two boys, 14, killed in a drunk-driving accident.

Accused Jan. 6 rioter challenges Santos

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

A Queens man charged with storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 notified the Federal Election Commission last week that he will run against U.S. Rep. George Santos in the state’s 3rd Congressional District election next year.

Philip Sean Grillo was identified by federal officials wearing a Knights of Columbus jacket on the day he allegedly stormed the Capitol.

Grillo told Newsday his desire to run against Santos, who he no longer supports, is to ensure former 3rd District U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) does not reclaim his seat.

Efforts to reach Grillo for further comment were unavailing.

Grillo, who is awaiting trial from the insurrection, was charged with unlawful entry on restricted buildings or grounds, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds and obstruction of justice/Congress. He was initially arrested in February 2021, according to officials.

Grillo said he is a veteran of the Marine Corps who was formerly working as a pest management professional.

Santos made his announcement to seek reelection last month, despite his lack of support from local and state Republican groups.

A press release on Santos’ stationery described the controversial representative as “a dependable conservative vote in Congress and a fearless champion of conservative values.”

He now faces a 13-count indictment composed of seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds and two counts of making materially false statements to Congress. Santos pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday.

Great Neck resident Zak Malamed announced on Monday he will be running on the Democratic line for the seat currently held by Santos.

Malamed, 29, is the co-founder of an advocacy group called The Next 50. He has combatted gun violence, working with former state Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel and speaking at a variety of rallies and school events.

“I spent the last four years defeating MAGA Republicans across the country in some of the most competitive districts and states, and now, the reality is that the things that I had to fight outside

of home, have come home,” Malamed said in a press release Monday. “New Yorkers are hungry for fresh leadership, and this district will be crucial for taking back the majority in Washington—I’m ready to bring the fight and win this seat back.”

Other Democrats who have filed to run for the seat include former state Sen. Anna Kaplan, Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan and attorney Will Murphy.

Kaplan is an Iranian immigrant whose parents sent her to the United States for her safety and was an active member of the Great Neck community before her time in government. She was elected to serve the Town of North Hempstead’s 4th District as a councilwoman in 2011.

In 2016, she sought election to the House of Representatives but lost to current Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) in the Democratic primary. Kaplan defeated former Flower Hill Mayor Elaine Phillips in 2018 to represent the 7th Senate District.

In 2022, she lost to Republican Jack Martins, who previously served the 7th Senate District.

Lafazan ran against Robert Zimmerman, whose name has been included in lists of other potential candidates for the election, in the district’s Democratic primary last year. Zimmerman won the primary but lost to Santos in the general election

Murphy, 39, is a legal studies professor at St. John’s University, according to his campaign biography. Born in Mineola, Murphy now lives in Farmingdale with his wife, Megan and his 3-yearold son Connor.

Republican Kellen Curry has also filed to run in next year’s 3rd District election and discussed the need to bring transparency back to Long Island and Queens.

“What we’re really focusing on right now is making sure that we draw attention to the current state of leadership,” Curry said in an interview two weeks ago. “Quite frankly, nothing happens if we don’t have leadership that we can believe in.”

Curry, a Queens resident who lives just outside the 3rd District, is an Afghanistan war veteran and former vice president at J.P. Morgan. Curry completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan and currently serves in the Air Force Reserves, according to his campaign website.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Philip Grillo as seen at the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Council member’s son, town employee, arrested

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Travis Troiano, son of North Hempstead Council Member Robert Troiano Jr. and a town employee, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges that he submitted false paperwork to satisfy a friend’s plea agreement, according to the Nassau County district attorney’s office.

Troiano, 33, of Westbury, and Nocianie Joseph, 33, of Westbury, were indicted and arraigned on charges of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and official misconduct.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum of up to seven years in prison.

Troiano, an employee of the town’s “Yes We Can” Community Center in Westbury, allegedly drafted and signed a fraudulent letter saying Joseph, his friend, successfully completed 35 hours of community service, according to the district attorney’s office.

Robert Troiano, a Democrat, was elected to the North Hempstead Town Board for a second stint in 2021 for a four-year term. He was first elected to the board in 2004 and served two terms until winning election to the Nassau County Legislature.

North Hempstead’s Councilmanic District 1, represented by Troaino, included Carle Place, New Cassel, Old Westbury and Westbury.

Travis is one of three children of Robert, according to the council member’s biography.

Joseph was charged with driving while intoxicated on May 17, 2022, and accepted a conditional plea agreement that included 35 hours of community service within four months, among other things, County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said in a statement.

She was sentenced to 60 days incarceration and three years probation for driving while intoxicated on Feb. 24 after failing to comply with the contract.

“Recognizing that Nocianie Joseph was a first-time DWI offender, our office offered the defendant a fair plea contract that would allow her to complete 35 hours of commu-

nity service and reduce the charge against her. Instead, despite agreeing to the plea, Joseph and her friend Travis Troiano allegedly forged paperwork attempting to get Joseph credit for service she did not complete,” said Donnelly. “This indictment sends a strong message that NCDA will rigorously follow up on the satisfaction of plea conditions and take action against those who would deceitfully violate the terms of those good faith agreements.”

Troiano allegedly forged and signed the fraudulent letter on Nov. 20, 2022, before investigators for the district attorney’s office discovered Troiano does not have the authority to draft or sign community service completion letters for the “Yes We Can” center.

Joseph and Troiano surrendered themselves to investigators for the district attorney’s office on May 12 and 16, respectively.

Karen Johnston, a lawyer who is representing Troiano, declined to comment. Efforts to reach Christopher Graziano, Joseph’s lawyer, were unavailing.

The “Yes We Can” Community Center first opened in September 2012 and offers community programs including youth and adult sports, arts, fitness, science, education and enrichment.

A Town of North Hempstead spokesman declined to comment on the charges, saying in a statement “The Town does not comment on pending legal matters”

Santos cuts plea deal for 2008 theft Brazil

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

U.S. Rep. George Santos, who faces a 13-count federal indictment, confessed to forging two stolen checks in Brazil 15 years ago on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.

Court documents in Brazil that were first reported by the New York Times said Santos, 19 at the time, used a fake name and the stolen checks to purchase a pair of sneakers, among other goods from a store in Niterói, located outside of Rio de Janeiro.

Continued on Page 42

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SANTOS CAMPAIGN

U.S. Rep. George Santos on the campaign trail.

Councilman Robert J. Troiano

Employment opportunities for adults with ACLD

Non-proft Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities Inc. has announced the launch of its new employment opportunity and business called, Candleworks.

The new business was developed by ACLD for adults with autism, learning and developmental disabilities to gain meaningful employment and economic self-sufciency.

Employees with difering abilities work together in every facet of the Candleworks business, including research and development of fragrances and scents, melting and mixing the blend of fragrances, hand-pouring each candle or wax melt, processing the orders and packaging and shipping the products to customers.

The new website is live and open to the public by visiting www.candleworks.org.

This new initiative creates sustainable employment for adults who are eager to join the workforce but

are faced with limited opportunities.

“With Candleworks, we have developed a sustainable business model for people with developmental disabilities to contribution to society

Temples join for Torah study and cheesecake

The community is invited to join a collaboration of local synagogues to celebrate the Festival of Shavuot, a holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and the Jewish value of learning, on Thursday, May 25, at 7 p.m. at Temple Beth-El of Great Neck.

To honor this mystical tradition, the event will include a Tikkun Leil Shavuot, a series of Torah study sessions on a variety of compelling Jewish topics taught by local clergy.

The evening will culminate with a traditional dessert of dairy foods— often cheesecake or blintzes—symbolizing the “land fowing with milk and honey,” according to Exodus 3:8.

This Shavuot gathering will be especially meaningful, as fve local synagogues—Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, Temple Judea of Manhasset, Temple Tikvah of New Hyde Park, North Country Reform Temple of Glen Cove and Temple Isaiah of Great Neck— join together to observe the holiday. This free event is open to the community, but registration is required (so we have enough cheesecake!).

To register, or for more information, call 516-487-0900, visit www. tbegreatneck.org or email info@ tbegreatneck.org. Temple Beth-El is Great Neck’s oldest synagogue, serving the community for more than 90 years.

and they feel an incredible amount of satisfaction that they’re crafting and manufacturing products that customers will love,” said Gerard DiMuro, vice president of Administration for

ACLD. “There is a strong market for scented candles and we have a unique story of making a product with passion. We believe this will resonate with the public and instill pride that their purchase contributes to creating a meaningful job for someone.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, 21.3 percent of persons with a disability were employed, up from 19.1 percent in 2021.

“For people with special needs, employment ofers greater economic self-sufciency through the application of their skills and active participation in their communities.

Candleworks continues ACLD’s mission of enriching the lives of adults with learning and developmental disabilities by connecting them with fulflling jobs,” said Robert Ciatto, president/CEO of ACLD. “This new initiative will ignite a passion for work, giving our employees a sense of purpose and dignity as they create

something of their own.”

All candles are handcrafted in small batches using 100 percent soy wax and are available in a variety of scented themes: Calm (Lavender, Sage, Cedar, and Cypress); Dream (Strawberry, Vanilla, and Freesia); Cozy (Bergamot, Amber, and Dark Musk) and Refresh( Red Currant, Lemon Peel, and Peppermint). There are also 3 limited-edition scents, Beautiful (Rose, Carnation and Powder); Joy (Citrus, Mint, and Orange Peel) and Beach Day (Coconut, Sandalwood, and Tonka Bean). All candles retail at $21 and have a burn time estimated at 40-plus hours.

As an alternative to scented candles, Candleworks also manufactures wax melts in the same scents as each candle, minus a wick. They give of the same aroma and fragrance as they are heated by a warmer. Candles, wax melts, and warmers can be purchased on Candleworks’ eCommerce website:www.candleworks.org.

American Cancer fundraiser

Everyone knows of someone whether in their family, friends, neighbors, or business associates that have been afected by various insidious cancers, e.g. colon, prostate, breast, liver, brain, melanoma, etc.

More & more people are living longer with all the normal & experimental treatments that are currently available. However, The only way to further minimize & 1 day 2 eradicate this non-discriminatory & fatal disease is through donations for R & D to fnally create a long-term cure.

Turn Key Real Estate is having its’ 2nd Annual Fund Raiser for the “Amer-

ican Cancer Association” Thurs, night 8 pm, June 1st (Doors & Bar open @ 6:30 pm (Fundraiser night) @ Governors Comedy Club on 90 Division Ave, Levittown.

Our show begins promptly @ 8 pm. There will be 5 comedians including our Headline Performer, Tommy Gooch (He’s Absolutely Crazy & Amazingly Hilarious) performing & my buddy Rick Allen who assisted in writing our Sitcom “MLS”) will performing too!

Tickets are only $20 each & can only be purchased in advance as none will be sold @ the door the day of our

fundraiser. There will be a 50/50 Raffe & some surprises

Help us make our second year the best yet! So I’d really appreciate it if you would purchase a ticket or two, even if U aren’t available that night. Proceeds from the fundraiser and 50/50 Rafe will be donated to the American Cancer Association.”

Please Donate (even if U can’t attend) 2 an extremely worthy cause 4 R & D (“Research & Development”) 2 someday 2 eradicate this scourge of a disease.

Contact Philip A. Raices for Tickets: (516) 647-4289

Stroke Awareness Month

North Hempstead Council Member Peter Zuckerman joined Catholic Health St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center on Thursday, May 11 in honor of Stroke Awareness Month.

As part of his visit, he took a tour of the DeMatteis Center for Cardiac Research and Education and took a glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure screening which can help provide warning signs of a stroke.

COURTESY OF ACLD

Members of ACLD and Candleworks Creating and Launching Their New Products

Temple Beth-El of Great Neck will host a collaboration of local synagogues to celebrate the Festival of Shavuot on Thursday, May 25, at 7 p.m.

Sue Palo, director of Community and Rehabilitation Services, left, and Council Member Peter Zuckerman with the St. Francis Outreach Bus.

Gounaris, Zanetti re-elected to ed board

Herricks voters also approve $134.7M budget with an increase of $9.5M from 2022-23

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Herricks Board of Education President Jim Gounaris defeated challenger Bhajan Ratra to defend his trustee seat as district residents also re-elected incumbent Trustee Henry Zannetti and the budget for the upcoming fscal year.

Gounaris, a Manhasset Hills resident, received 850 total votes out of 1,065 compared to Ratra’s 215, or 79.81%.

The president thanked the district for his support and administration for presenting a “student-centered” budget.

“I would like to thank all the voters of the Herricks School District for their support of the budget and for my reelection. I also want to thank Dr. Sinanis and the admin team on putting forth such a thoughtful and student-centered budget,” Gounaris said in a statement to Blank Slate Media. “My vote total serves to afrm my 24 years of dedication, transparency, and continued volunteerism to the Herricks community. It has been my honor over the last 12 years to serve on the Herricks Board of Education delivering positive change, academic excellence, transparency, and continued educational improvement to every member of our community while being mindful of the tax burden shared by our residents. Together we continue set new goals and protect our ever rising educational integrity for all our Herricks families.”

Zanetti, a Williston Park resident who served on the Herricks PTA for

over a decade, was frst elected to the board in 2017. He secured re-election with 863 total votes.

Both trustees will each serve a three-year term.

Residents also approved the $134.7 million budget for the 2023-2024 fscal

year.

The budget received 836 votes out of 1,194 total, or 70%.

The budget includes a nearly $9.5 million increase in spending compared to the current year, a 7.5% rise. Excluding pending claims and the associated

legal fees, the budget represents only a 5.3% increase, Superintendent Tony Sinanis said during previous budget presentations.

The increase for the tax levy by 1.83%, which is equal to the tax cap determined by the state and falls below

the 2% allowable growth factor limit.

Based on 2022-2023 enrollment numbers, Herricks is spending $30,687.92 per pupil, according to the new budget.

Assistant Business Superintendent Lisa Rutkoske explained during budget presentations the major drivers for the budget increase, where legal claims and settlements take up almost $2.8 million, or 30%, of the budget-to-budget increase.

Of the $9,404,489 increase from last year’s budget, health insurance accounts for $2,070,000, payroll represents $1,997,000, special education services are responsible for $863,000 and facilities and utilities take up $555,000.

The remaining expenditure increases include debt taking up $316,000, textbooks accounting for $239,000, technology claiming $235,000 and all other costs adding up to $338,000.

Budget features include hiring assistant principals for Searingtown and Center Street Elementary Schools, funding for social-emotional learning programs, special education services, English as a New Language programs, new musical and athletic equipment and additional sports, such as varsity girls’ fag football, among other things.

Additionally, the Herricks Public School District will be receiving state aid totaling $8 million more than was granted in the 2022-23 legislative budget. This is a 47% increase in state aid for the school district.

G.N.’s Sarah Hughes running for Congress

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Sarah Hughes, an Olympic gold medalist who grew up in Great Neck, has fled to run for the 4th Congressional District seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park).

Hughes took home the gold medal for the women’s singles event during the 2002 Winter Olympics, defeating Michelle Kwan, who took bronze, and Irina Slutskaya, who took silver.

She will be running in the Democratic primary against former Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen, who fled to run for the seat last week after losing to D’Esposito in November’s election.

Daughter of John Hughes and Amy Pastarnack, Hughes was born in Great Neck and attended Great Neck North High School.

After graduation, she attended Yale University, earning her bachelor’s degree in American studies with a concentration in U.S. politics and communities.

Hughes was on the cover of Time magazine skating over the Rocky Mountains after qualifying for the games with a bronze medal win at the

2002 U.S. Championships and her second consecutive bronze medal win at the Grand Prix Final.

She is the only American woman to have won the Olympic title without having won either a World or U.S. se-

Immediate eforts to reach Hughes for comment were unavailing.

Gillen, who unsuccessfully ran for the seat in 2022 against D’Esposito said in a press release Wednesday morning she will work across the aisle to serve 4th District residents and not play any partisan games.

“Nassau’s South Shore is my home. It’s where I have lived and served for decades. Now in the face of the reckless conduct and fraud we’ve witnessed in a few short months, I have never been more determined to fght for this district,” Gillen said Wednesday. “I want Long Islanders to be safe in our communities and free from the plague of gun violence, and we must ensure that residents can aford to stay here and thrive.”

nior national title.

Hughes retired shortly after her Olympic win in 2003. Hughes’ younger sister Emily was also an Olympic competitor during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.

The 4th Congressional District comprises central and southern Nassau County, including Floral Park, Garden City, Hempstead, Mineola, Carle Place, New Hyde Park and Westbury. Under newly drawn redistricting maps, it also takes in the villages of East Williston, Williston Park, Lake Success and some unincorporated parts of the Town of North Hempstead.

Gillen, who served as supervisor

Continued on Page 46

PHOTO COURTESY OF HUGHES

Former Great Neck resident and Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes.

“I want Long Islanders to be safe in our communities and free from the plague of gun violence, and we must ensure that residents can afford to stay here and thrive.”

— Sarah Hughes

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ISLAND 360 ARCHIVES

Herricks Board of Education President Jim Gounaris, left, and Vice President Henry Zanetti.

Accused ex-mariner relinquishes license

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informed them of her evacuation request.

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

A former maritime electrician surrendered his license to the U.S. Coast Guard after being accused of sexually harassing a teenage United States Merchant Marine Academy cadet in 2021, according to Newsday.

Paul Pagano, who worked on the Alliance Fairfax ship, relinquished his maritime license before hearings against Pagano began. The U.S. Coast Guard filed a complaint seeking to revoke Pagano’s license and credentials last month.

Efforts to reach Pagano or other officials for comment were unavailing.

The sexual harassment allegations were filed by the female cadet, who was 18 at the time, in 2021.

She identified herself as ‘Midshipman-Y’ in the account. She said was warned by another female cadet who completed work on the Alliance Fairfax ship that the nearly all-male crew was

PHOTO BY JANELLE CLAUSEN

filled with “creepy” individuals.

Midshipman-Y, in the complaint, said she endured unwanted sexual touching and advances along with sexualized jokes. Her experience was so harmful to her that she said she began to sleep in the bathroom clutching a knife.

The bathroom, she said, had the only door that could not be unlocked by other crew members who had master keys.

Midshipman-Y’s direct supervisor, the chief mate, allegedly treated her worse than other male counterparts, constantly belittling her and made her do tasks outside of her job description, according to the complaint.

The chief mate’s alleged discriminatory behavior became too much for her to deal with, she said, and she feared the harassment would continue until she was eventually raped. The midshipman requested an emergency evacuation.

Maersk’s designated person ashore allegedly told her “this can’t keep happening,” once she

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The midshipman said she endured panic attacks and suffered “debilitating emotional distress” as a result of the harassment and ultimately took a leave of absence from the academy in Kings Point.

A cargo ship captain accused of raping a female cadet and attempting to assault another woman from the United States Merchant Marine Academy surrendered his mariner’s license in October, according to the Coast Guard.

John Christopher Merrone, 50, surrendered his credentials to the Coast Guard on Oct. 25, according to officials.

Merrone, whose alleged misconduct was outlined in a report filed by the agency weeks before he surrendered his credentials, denied the allegations.

He allegedly invited a pair of female cadets into his stateroom and gave them alcoholic drinks spiked with an undisclosed drug or intoxicant without their knowledge in 2019 while aboard the Liberty Glory Vessel, officials said.

“[The Maritime Administration] has strengthened measures that will help us prevent sexual assault and harassment, aggressively prosecute perpetrators and improve support for survivors while supporting urgently needed culture change in the maritime industry to make it safer for all mariners,” Maritime Administrator Ann Phillip said in a statement.

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Officials from the administration declined to comment further on the allegations against Merrone, touting the “importance of student privacy.”

The Merchant Marine Academy reported 61 instances of alleged sexual assault, harassment, stalking and relationship

Continued on Page 46

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Jolly Fisherman to close after 66 years

Owners of iconic Roslyn family-run eatery thank staff, families, customers

BY CAMERYN OAKES

After 66 years, the Jolly Fisherman & Steak House is closing its doors.

“It’s been a good run,” a Facebook post from Lori and Steven Scheiner states. “We have decided it is time for us to say goodbye.”

The Scheiner family has owned and operated the seafood and steak house restaurant at 25 Main St. in Roslyn since 1957, in the hands of three generations of the family.

One former owner was the late Fred Scheiner, Steven Scheiner’s father, who on top of being a restaurant owner and family man was also a pilot and civil rights activist who earned a spot on President Nixon’s enemies list.

He was an early and constant supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King’s civil rights initiatives and was among his primary fnancial backers.

The Scheiners’ thanked their staf, family and customers in the Facebook post for their restaurant’s success.

“We thank all our customers, many, many whose names we learned and who returned with their friends and children across generations, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, weddings and new children, mourning loved one’s passings,” the post states. “We knew your preferred drinks, your preferred tables, your special food preparations. We thank you for choosing us.”

They gave a special shoutout to their

staf along the way as well.

“We have had people work one day for us and others for 45+ years,” the post states. “Back of house, front of house, the staf is the heart of our business.”

Lori and Steven Scheiner refected

on their business’ stay in Roslyn, thanking the village and appreciating its growth as a restaurant destination.

“Our view over the Roslyn Duck Pond has been a source of beauty and peace for us arriving at the restaurant

each day,” the post states. “Requests for our window tables was a constant struggle between supply and demand. And some were very demanding!”

The restaurant will stay open through the end of June, with the own-

ers inviting guests to continue visiting and enjoying their notable dishes until they close.

“We hope you will miss us when we are gone, we know we will miss you,” the post states.

Port student-athletes’ leadership honored

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Nearly a hundred Schreiber High School student-athletes fled into the auditorium Thursday afternoon with no idea why they were there.

The surprise was for two studentathletes, who were recognized in front of their peers, teachers, coaches and families for a national leadership award.

Schreiber High School senior Ally Carillo, 17, and junior Sam Mills, 16, received the GREEN13 award from LEAD ‘EM UP, an award granted to just 13 student-athletes nationwide for their exceptional leadership and character.

LEAD ‘EM UP is an organization that promotes leadership in athletic programs nationwide and provides leadership workshops and exercises.

The GREEN13 award is part of the organization’s Green Team program that recognizes student-athletes for their leadership.

Students are awarded the recognition for exhibiting “green” leadership and character, and are nominated by their coaches and teachers.

Schreiber High School previously had a student-athlete, Christian Schwirzbin, win the award in 2021.

Nick Schratwieser, director of

health, physical education and athletics for the Port Washington School District, said he feels very proud of the hard work that Mills and Carillo, the coaches and all the school’s student-athletes

have put in this year.

He said it’s an honor to receive the national award because it is a selective honor.

“For us to be able to get two of those

award winners is a true, true honor and just a testament to all of the work that they’re putting in on a day to day basis,” Schratwieser said.

Carillo, who has participated on the high school’s varsity volleyball, softball and track and feld teams, said she was absolutely shocked when her name was called to receive the award but was overcome with happiness.

Carillo’s three coaches spoke about her character, all sharing how impactful her leadership she has been on every team she’s joined.

“Most players join a team and the hope is when they graduate that the team infuences them to grow and become a better player and a better person,” varsity softball coach Eric Sutz said. “A true few, the truly special, join the team and elevate that team to a higher level, not just through their physical skills, but more importantly with passion, energy and grit. Ally is a unique person who immediately elevates anything she becomes a part of.”

Carillo’s varsity volleyball coach said “her personality just is bigger than any gymnasium [they have] ever played in.”

She thanked her coaches and teammates for the award, attributing her

success to them as well.

“I defnitely would have not become the leader and teammate that I am without them,” Carillo said. “Team is not just me, it’s everybody and everybody on my team is amazing and always helped me become the person that I am.”

Mills, who has played on the varsity volleyball and basketball teams, said that he too was surprised to receive the award but is grateful that his coaches recognized him as deserving of the it.

“It was just a great feeling to be noticed for doing stuf that I do everyday,” Mills said.

Varsity boys basketball head coach Sean Dooley said that the award is designated for a special person.

“If you know Sam, special is the word that describes him,” Dooley said. “He is an amazing teammate, he is selfless beyond belief, he cares more about his teammates than he does himself and that’s rare in the high school space.”

While both students received national recognition for their leadership, they also were awarded with free Chickfl-A for a year.

“Getting Chick-fl-A for being myself is cool,” Mills said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA COMMONS

Jolly Fisherman & Steak House restaurant in Roslyn, announced it will be closing after 66 years of business.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PORT WASHINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

Ally Carillo and Sam Mills were awarded with the GREEN13 award Thursday for their exceptional leadership.

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Is George Santos being treated unfairly?

It is not that the elected ofcials and potential candidates are wrong in again calling for U.S. Rep. George Santos to either resign or be expelled from Congress.

There was more than good reason to seek Santos’ removal even before he was charged in a 13-count indictment last week that included charges of money laundering, stealing public money, wire fraud and making false statements to Congress.

That indictment followed Santos confessing to forging two stolen checks in Brazil 15 years ago as part of a plea deal.

Santos had already admitted to essentially defrauding district voters in Nassau and Queens who elected him by lying about, well just about everything about his personal, professional and fnancial history.

This includes lies about attending college, working at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, his religion and his fnances.

So the calls by elected ofcials and potential candidates for Santos to leave ofce, either willingly or not, are certainly warranted. But they are also disingenuous at best and hypocritical at worst.

Let’s start with the obvious. Santos is not going to resign. So the calls for him to resign do set a standard for behavior but carry no weight.

If Santos had a sense of shame or decency he would have resigned when the grift he committed against 3rd Congressional District voters was exposed before he was sworn into ofce in January.

He now has even less reason to resign following his indictment on criminal charges.

His position in Congress now becomes a potential bargaining chip in any plea deal negotiations with federal prosecutors. And while this is going on, he is collecting a paycheck at taxpayer expense.

It may be galling to people living in the 3rd Congressional District who know they have no real representation in Congress with Santos around. But for Santos, the seat could mean a reduced sentence or no jail time at all.

So when U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park), who repre-

sents the 4th Congressional District, and other Nassau County Republicans call for Santos to step down from his seat it is hard to take him seriously.

Democrats such as Robert Zimmerman, who lost to Santos in the 2022 election, Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan and former state Sen. Anna Kaplan have all called for Santos to be expelled from Congress.

But both Lafazan and Kaplan have already announced their candidacy for Santos’ seat and Zimmerman is said to be considering it. Former Democratic U.S. Reps. Tom Suozzi and Steve Israel served the district for a decade before Santos fipped it in November.

So, the Democrats’ motives may not be totally pure since Santos’ expulsion from Congress would open the door for them to win back the seat this year and not have to wait until 2024 to try. And, if Santos isn’t expelled, the Republicans look bad.

They also have the beneft of being right.

But if Santos is such a bad actor — and he is — why hasn’t D’Esposito and other Nassau Republicans called on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to expel Santos from Congress?

Well, House math. Republicans only hold a four-seat margin and McCarthy needs Santos’ vote to keep his job and support his agenda.

Santos provided McCarthy his vote in each of the 15 rounds it took for the California congressman to be voted House Speaker.

And just last week, Santos’ vote – like that of D’ Esposito — was needed by McCarthy to pass the House GOP’s proposal to increase the country’s debt limit.

So it is no surprise that McCarthy rejected taking action against Santos before or after the indictment against Santos was handed down. And that Nassau Republicans are not bucking the house speaker.

McCarthy said following the indictment that Santos had been charged, but not convicted of the federal charges and was still innocent in the eyes of the law.

McCarthy is correct.

For the moment, Santos has not been

convicted of any crimes in the United States and should have his day in court. Or at least his time to negotiate with prosecutors a favorable plea deal. Santos pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment last week.

This gets us to the hypocrisy, of Republicans.

Neither D’Esposito nor any other member of the Nassau GOP has called on former President Donald Trump to pull out of the Republican primary for president, which he leads by a large margin in the polls.

If we are being consistent, why not?

Unlike Santos, a jury actually found Trump guilty of wrongdoing last week. They said he was liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll, a magazine writer, and awarded her $5 million in damages.

True, the verdict took place in a civil trial, but unlike Santos a jury voted unanimously that Trump committed serious violations of law.

And like Santos, Trump has also been indicted on criminal charges.

A Manhattan grand jury in April issued a 34-count criminal indictment against Trump, accusing him of orchestrating a hush-money scheme to silence a porn star that paved his path to the presidency and then covering it up from the White House. In at least one case, from the Oval Ofce.

But the response from Nassau Republicans was very diferent.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who was the Nassau Republican Party’s liaison to the Trump campaign in 2020, called the indictment “political and malicious prosecution” – fve days before it was announced by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Three other investigations could result in charges against Trump.

Fani T. Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, is investigating whether the former president and his allies illegally meddled in Georgia’s 2020 election, which Mr. Trump narrowly lost to President Biden.

Special counsel Jack Smith is leading a probe into the potential mishandling of federal recordstaken to Mar-aLagoafter Trump left the White House.

He is also investigating the role of Trump of many others in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol in an effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney, one of two Republican members of the House select committee that investigated Jan. 6, slammed Trump as “unft for any ofce”

She said Trump had orchestrated a campaign to overturn the 2020 election that included watching a mob he incited storm the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and did not intervene to call of the siege

— despite calls from top members of his administration and Trump’s own family.

Yes, Santos helped get elected by lying repeatedly to people living in the 3rd Congressional District about who he was. And yes, the federal charges against Santos are very serious.

But has anything Santos done compare to orchestrating a campaign to overturn a presidential election?

As for not telling the truth, Trump lied repeatedly about his fnances, businesses, charitable giving and personal life before he became president. The Washington Post counted 30,573 false or misleading claims by Trump during his four years in ofce. And Trump has done nothing diferent since he left ofce.

He has repeatedly falsely claimed that the 2020 election was rigged and he actually won. This is known as the Big Lie.

So why demand that Santos resign but not oppose Trump in continuing his bid to reclaim the presidency?

It is not that Santos has been anything but a loyal supporter of Trump.

Like the former president, Santos called the Mueller probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election a “hoax.” He not only backed Trump when he promised to appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade

Continued on Page 18

Marjorie Taylor Greene, motherhood, apple pie

Idoubled back through my notes and re-watched the video. I wanted to be certain that what I was witnessing was not the product of artifcial intelligence, but an actual elected U.S. representative making contemptible public claims about what constitutes motherhood.

During an April 26 hearing of the Subcommittee for the Coronavirus Pandemic regarding school reopening guidance, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) asked witness Randy Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, if she was a mom

Weingarten, who is married to Sharon Kleinbaum, rabbi of the world’s largest LGBTQ synagogue, answered Greene by stating that although she was not a biological mother, she was stepmother to her partner’s two daughters.

Greene responded: “The problem is people like you need to admit that you’re just a political activist, not a teacher, not a mother and not a medical doctor.”

Not a mother?

After listening to Greene’s characterization of motherhood, Michael Steele, former chairman of the Republican National Committee and an adopted child himself, tweeted to Greene: “ not a biological mother ? Well @RepMTG, the woman who adopted me, cared for me, raised

me, loved me, inspired me, disciplined me, educated me and at 95 still smiles when I walk in the room didn’t need biology to be my mother.”

“In 2019, 120,869 children were adopted in the United States,” according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway. “This is a 9 percent increase (9,726) from the 111,143 children adopted in 2015.” Moreover, the Step Family Foundation reported that more than half of U.S. families are remarried or recoupled, which represents a signifcant number of children with adoptive and stepmothers, which Greene has summarily invalidated.

Her scurrilous charge against Weingarten only serves to emphasize Greene’s innate cruelty, which has become the coin of the realm for MAGA extremists under the consistent role modeling of Donald Trump.

As journalist Adam Serwer framed it: “Cruelty is the point.”

For instance, on April 27 during a campaign stop at a Manchester, N.H., diner, Trump embraced Jan. 6 defendant Micki Larson-Olson, a QAnon adherent who served prison time for her role in the Capitol attack.

Lars-Olson said she “would like a front seat of Mike Pence being executed” for treason, NBC News reported on April 28.

Road

Following her close encounter with the ex-president, Lars-Olson said, as reported in the April 28 Daily Beast newsletter, “If I were to imagine what it would be like to hug Jesus Christ—not that I’m saying President Trump is Jesus Christ—but just you know, if I was to imagine what it would be like to hug Jesus Christ, that’s what it felt like for me.”

She went on to say that every lawmaker who voted to certify the 2020 election should be executed. These might seem like dissimilar illustrations, but they are all part of a piece that can be taken as a whole or disassembled. No matter, the pieces ft together. They ft in any form, be -

cause cruelty is the point.

It only takes a slight shift of gears and locations to see the spreading contagion of cruelty that is Trump’s legacy as he has been facing rape and defamation charges in a civil trial in Manhattan federal court.

In his belligerent cross examination of Trump accuser E. Jean Carroll, attorney Joe Tacopina asked her if she screamed during the alleged sexual assault. Carroll schooled him that all rape victims do not react in the same way or in the way others might expect them to act, regardless of convenient misogynist myths to the contrary.

“When you’re fghting and being sexually assaulted and raped, because you are not a screamer, as you describe it, you wouldn’t scream?” asked Tacopina, as the New York Times reported May 2

“You can’t beat up on me for not screaming,” Carroll replied. One of the reasons women don’t come forward, she said, “is because they are always asked, ‘Why didn’t you scream?’”

Of course, Tacopina already knows that. But it doesn’t comport with what is typically expected of a rape victim. Pursuing this line of questioning is a way of revictimizing the accuser. Cruelty is the point, trauma extended and compounded.

In recent years, much has been

said about the staggering rise of incivility in America. The usual — chronic discourteousness, disrespectful language in public, encroaching on others’ boundaries, reckless driving, and so on.

Greene and Trump’s behaviors are characteristic of MAGA extremism and have advanced well beyond incivility to crass indecency and dehumanization, infecting the American bloodstream in order to optimize polarization and reach the ultimate goal: authoritarian rule. They do what they do efortlessly. Never a sign of conscience or shame. None whatsoever. Only unbridled recklessness and cruelty, resting on a sinking foundation of cotton candy.

And, still, there is little objection by members of the Republican Party. “The muscle memory of Republican cowardice never ends,” remarked Charlie Sykes, editor-in-chief of the website the Bulwark.

If we are “in a battle for the soul of America,” as President Biden has asserted, “we’re in the middle of a moral struggle over who we are as a nation,” stressed New York Times columnist David Brooks.

Perhaps nothing captures what we are up against in that struggle more than Marjorie Taylor Greene arbitrating what constitutes motherhood in 2023.

Happy Mothers’ Day!

New York State’s disastrous budget

During Albany’s annual budget battle, a take-charge governor can exercise extraordinary power over the process.

In 2010, for example, when Gov. David Paterson and the state Legislature could not agree on a spending plan by the end of the fscal year, the governor threatened to use the “nuclear option”— a short-term spending extension (aka a continuing resolution) to secure a balanced budget.

What is the “nuclear option”?

Here’s Gov. Paterson’s explanation: “The diference between the budget process and the extenders is that the governor writes the extenders, the legislature has to vote it up or down, there are no amendments, no changes, no rejections, or overriding the governor’s veto. It’s either take it or leave it…. We then put our cuts in the next week’s budget extender and the legislature either had to vote it into efect or shut down the government.”

The threat worked and the Legislature backed of and negotiated a

budget to the governor’s satisfaction.

Patterson did not fear to use what then Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver called “naked political power” to impose his will on the Legislature.

Unfortunately, this year Gov. Kathy Hochul, fearful of exercising her budgetary authority, was steamrolled by the state Legislature.

In February, the governor, ignoring the signs of economic slowdown — particularly on Wall Street, which provides 22% of state income tax revenue—proposed a record-breaking $227 billion budget, up $7 billion from the previous year.

The release of the governor’s budget is only the opening gambit. The legislative branch, which has an insatiable appetite, always counters with even more spending.

Unable to agree on a budget plan, the state missed the March 31 deadline.

Refusing to use the “nuclear option” the governor surrendered in late April and agreed to a $229.8 billion budget, up $9 billion.

ON THE RIGHT GEORGE J. MARLIN On The Right

While the 3.7% increase may appear low — keep in mind this is on top of increases that totaled 22% over the past three years.

Most of the additional spending was allotted to school aid and Medicaid.

Education spending will hit an all-time high of $34 billion.

“School aid,” the Empire Center

for Public Policy has reported will have “risen 76% since 2012 — while public school enrollment has fallen more than 5% during the same period.

Put another way, the state will be spending about $9 billion more on a smaller number of students than it would have if school aid had simply kept pace with infation. Meanwhile, student achievement is declining on both state and national measures.”

As for Medicaid, the governor, who called for the state spending portion to increase by 9%, capitulated to the demands of the Legislature and healthcare unions and agreed to a 13% increase, up $4.2 billion.

“The state’s share,” healthcare expert Bill Hammond has noted, “is on track to be 53% higher in 2024 than it was in 2019.”

Total Medicaid spending for the fscal year, which includes federal, state and local municipal contributions, is expected to top $100 billion.

New York, with 19.6 million people, will spend signifcantly more per capita on Medicaid than Florida

(pop. 22.21 million) or Texas (pop. 30 million).

What did the governor get in return for knuckling under to the Legislature’s spending demands? Not much. Minor changes in the disastrous Progressive bail reforms. New York’s spending trajectory is not sustainable.

The state’s budget division is already projecting major shortfalls in the out years; $5 billion in 2025, and in 2026, more than $8 billion.

Those dismal numbers do not, however, factor in an economic recession that will adversely afect tax revenue collections.

The governor, who holds a royal fush in the budgeting poker game, folded to the Legislature’s pair of deuces.

Hochul has proven to be a weak chief executive. And while that’s good news for legislators, unions, big government leeches, radical enviros, and various vendors—it does not bode well for overburdened taxpayers who get stuck paying the bills.

Key to happiness may be found in Chuckles

Every parent in America has heard the complaint “Are we there yet?” coming from the backseat and voiced by a bored ten year old.

These complaints increase in frequency, the longer the road trip and the question is nothing to chuckle about. Actually, the question of “Are we there yet?” is asked by most adults entering midlife and beyond.

“When will I be happy?” “When will I be respected?” “When will I arrive at peace?”

For many athletes they ask me “When will I arrive at confdence?”

These rueful queries that adults pose to themselves are the questions that every religion, philosophy or great work of literature have been asking for ages. When do we fnally arrive at the place called happiness?

Here’s an example of a writer asking

the question of where to fnd happiness.

“The Quest for the Holy Grail” written in the 12th Century by Chretien de Troyes is about Perceval, the young knight, who was in search of the Holy Grail in order to restore the sick king’s health, and happiness and make the felds fertile once again.

The Holy Grail is a mythological plate, goblet, chalice or stone which has been the subject of many a book and flm and it is said to provide eternal youth and happiness to the one who possesses it.

Some say America’s restless nature is its quest to fnd this Holy Grail. Since “All men are created equal” we constantly seek to establish our unknown status. To paraphrase an old commercial “We earn our identity in America the old fashioned way….we earn it.”

In America its work, work and then work some more. Our constitution guarantees “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Our founding fathers never bothered to say exactly what this mysterious thing called ‘happiness’ actually is so we all keep asking “Are we there yet?” This thing called happiness always seems to be just out of reach.

Perhaps the answer can be found in “The Quest for the Holy Grail.”

Perceval failed in his quest because he failed to ask any questions about the grail when he initially spotted it. We may

all be like Perceval in that we don’t know what happiness looks like and don’t know how to talk about it when we see it.

The great writer, actor and mystic genius Spalding Gray was a friend of mine and his Holy Grail or his quest for happiness was fnding the ‘perfect moment’ when he went on vacation.

This quest almost ended his life when he was in Thailand flming “The Killing Fields.” He had a day of between scenes so he went to this perfect little beach he had heard about, smoked some weed, swam way out past the breakers and gloried at the sunset.

Then he realized that the tide was going out, the current was against him and he almost drowned trying to get

back to shore. If one thinks that the Holy Grail is some form of perfection, the quest may kill you.

In Thornton Wilder’s play “Our Town” the last scene is of Emily, the young bride who died in childbirth. She was dead but still in limbo, prior to being shipped to heaven. She kept pleading with the people waiting with her to get one last chance to return to earth to see her family.

They all advised against it but fnally let her return to the day of her 12th birthday. She returns to earth as a ghost and observes the day. As she sees her harried parents running around busying themselves with chores and tasks of all kinds, she slowly realizes that her family cannot see or even experience the goodness of the life they live.

Just before she returns to limbo she says “Good-bye, Good-bye world, Goodbye Grover’s Corner, Mama and Papa. Goodbye to clocks ticking. Good-bye to Mama’s sunfowers and food and coffee. Good-bye to new ironed dresses and hot baths. And sleeping and walking. Oh world, you’re too wonderful for anyone to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it? “The stage manager replies “No, the saints and the poets maybe, maybe they do some.”

Let’s go back to the beginning of my story with that 10-year-old kid whining “Are we there yet?” That’s actually a real

story and that kid was me, sitting in the back seat of the family car in mid-June, with father and mother in the front seat driving up to Maine to spend the summer with my mom’s parents who owned a big farm in Farmington, Maine.

My sister and my brother and I were crammed into the back seat and during pauses between fghts with my brother I would shout out “Are we there yet?”

The trip from Bayside, Queens to Farmington, Maine took about 12 hours with fve states to traverse on this long, arduous sometimes torturous journey. We had to drive through 5 states and as we pulled out of Bayside my father gave us each one box of Chuckles and said, “Make them last. That’s all you get.”

I was already a natural at math so I calculated that we had fve states to transverse including New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine and only fve Chuckles including red, green, yellow, purple and black, that meant only one Chuckle per state. The way I managed this situation was to slowly suck on each Chuckle without chewing them.

So the moral of the story is to try to enjoy each and every Chuckle you get because you never know when you’ll run out and you never really know when you’ll fnally get to where you’re going. Enjoy the ride, enjoy the chuckle, enjoy your summer.

The politics of plastic waste in the U.S.

Humans make a lot of garbage. It is most often referred to as solid waste by federal, state and local agencies and is fast becoming a worldwide crisis of immense proportion, especially since so much of the garbage is plastic.

In fact, the amount of plastic that is discarded is nearing 20% of all of our solid waste, and because it doesn’t degrade in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years, we can begin to understand that a diferent solution to the problem is long overdue.

While open dumps are a thing of the past, now the most common way we manage our solid waste is to haul it to local landflls or ship it upstate or out of state to areas that have more space in their landflls, at least for the time being.

Methane releases and water contamination, among other problems, have historically plagued communities and natural resources surrounding landflling operations.

More recently, attention is turning to the plastics in landflls that break down into microplastics due to physical, chemical and biological efects, which eventually contaminate our water and soil.

Another long-established solution to solid waste is to incinerate it, which is problematic for any number of reasons, most importantly the release of green-

house gases and chemical pollutants, especially from the burning of plastic material.

Black carbon is one such serious pollutant resulting from burning plastic, with a global warming potential up to 5,000 times greater than carbon dioxide. From a human health perspective, burning plastic creates dioxin, one of the most potent synthetic carcinogens known to man. And, of course, incinerators are often disproportionately sited in low-income and marginalized communities.

And of course, most of us are familiar with the images of plastic garbage in our oceans, some of it landing there from littering and run-of, but also from intentional dumping.

Plastic’s long life makes it the predominant garbage material found in the deepest trenches of the oceans, the fve enormous gyres of rotating ocean currents, and as microscopic pieces in sea life virtually everywhere.

An estimated 9 million tons of plastic enter the oceans every year. By the year 2050, by weight, there may be more plastic in the ocean than fsh.

Plastic manufacturers have known for a long time that plastic is not really a recyclable material, not at all like glass, aluminum or paper, but they have shamelessly promoted plastic recycling and have convinced the public that all you need to

PATTI WOOD Earth Matters

do is put your Poland Spring water bottle into your recycling bucket and it will be recycled into something useful.

According to Coca Cola, they want you to help them “get every bottle back”…a PR campaign that perpetuates the myth that plastic recycling works.

The reality is that less than 6% of plastic actually gets recycled. And my guess is that most of what gets recycled is from commercial users who are recycling a single type of used, but clean plastic.

Let’s look at some of the industry’s latest ideas about how to deal with managing plastic waste. The two most common “new” solutions are pyrolysis and gasif-

cation, both utilizing energy-intensive heating processes that attempt to reduce the volume of plastic waste by converting it into synthetic gas or oils to be burned as fuel. Unfortunately, both techniques release many of the same toxic emissions associated with incineration.

This plastic-to-fuel technology has a bad track record of major failures and had lost more than $2 billion dollars as of 2017.

Another industry-promoted idea is repolymerization. This is a process of breaking down a single type of plastic waste into its constituent parts and reconstructing the plastic polymers, typically by using solvents.

These facilities emit greenhouse gases and large amounts of efuent and toxic waste. This is a largely unproven technology with many negative impacts on the environment.

There are other “solutions,” like downcycling plastic to use in road resurfacing or building materials, but they present fre hazards and turn the plastic into microplastics, which just spreads the problem far and wide.

The only real solution to our plastic waste problem is to make less plastic, a simple idea that will require enormous efforts on the part of the public health and environment communities as the oil, gas and petrochemical industries are rapidly

expanding plastic production, seeking to increase their output by more that 40% in the next decade.

And that is precisely what science, public health and environmental groups in New York and across the country are trying to do through legislation.

No doubt, legislation is tricky, with well paid lobbyists plying the hallways in Congress and state capitals, intent on maintaining the status quo. In Albany, we have a bill built on the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility that goes further than those bills already passed in Maine, Oregon, California, and Colorado.

Senate Bill #4246 sponsored by Senator Peter Harckham and matching Assembly Bill #5322 sponsored by Assemblymember Deborah Glick, known as the “Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act” puts forth true solutions to the plastic pollution crisis.

It includes producing less plastic and reducing toxins found in plastics, encourages alternatives to plastic packaging and single-use serving containers, supports reusable and refll infrastructure and creates more robust recycling initiatives, with a focus on requiring producer responsibility for post-consumer plastics.

From my perspective on these seemingly intractable problems, the only real solution is to go to the source and begin to turn of the tap.

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

State of motherhood on Mother’s Day: Bleak

The radical rightwing war on women is targeting mothers particularly and specifcally.

This Mother’s Day passed with some horrendous markers.

Maternal mortality rate in the United States, already the highest among the industrialized nations, is expected to increase since religious ideologues have made pregnancy a criminal enterprise. The CDC has already reported a 40% spike in mothers dying before their frst Mother’s Day.

Even before the radical religious ideologues on the Supreme Court overturned women’s constitutional right to reproductive freedom, the rate of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021 for banned states was 47.5 compared to the national rate of 32.8. In the year since the Dobbs decision, states have efectively shut down reproductive care (including for women sufering miscarriage) for 20 million women.

Women who have the unfortunate status to live in states under abortion bans are three times more likely to die during pregnancy. Abortion bans are expected to increase maternal mortality by 24 percent.

Tens of thousands of mothers, children, spouses on this Mothers Day are mourning the loss of loved ones to gun violence — massacred going to the grocery store, shopping mall, bank, hospital, ofce, school and campus, knocking on the wrong door, pulling into the wrong driveway, thanks to the radical rightwing ideologues who believe the 2nd

Amendment singularly sacred, while dismissing the “right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” as no more signifcant than chopped liver.

How many mothers must mark the loss of a child this Mother’s Day? There have been more than 200 mass shootings so far in 2023, more than one a day; 120 people – somebody’s mother, spouse, child, or sibling — are killed each and every day in the United States.

One of them was a 26-year-old girlfriend, shot dead by a 22-year-old Texas man after she traveled to Colorado to get an abortion. (https:// jezebel.com/a-22-year-old-texasman-fatally-shot-his-partner-fortr-1850432906)

Everytown and Moms Demand Action held Mother’s Day of Action weekend events across the country calling on Congress to reinstate the assault weapons ban. (Gun massacres fell 37% while ban was in place, 1994-2004, and rose by 183% after ban expired.)

Mothers and children are especially afected by climate change which is destroying lives and livelihoods across the country and throughout the world, making refugees of 20 million people.

Add to this the efort by the radical rightwing to eradicate the very notion of public health and environmental protection (along with voting rights) underway all the way up to the Supreme Court.

“Motherhood in America is in trouble,” write the Moms Rising leadership (www.momsrising.org),

“and as we celebrate and remember the moms who’ve inspired us on this Mother’s Day, we also, raise the very serious complexities of being a mother in our nation everyday:

It’s serious because childcare still costs more than college in most states—and most childcare programs don’t even take infants under 6 weeks old. That means that even if you can aford childcare, you’re still out of luck if you’re one of the 1 in 4 moms who have to go back to work within two weeks of a new baby arriving. Despite the fact that virtually every other nation has some form of paid family/medical leave after a new baby arrives, we don’t. Serious because care workers (most of whom are moms) are some of the lowestpaid workers in our nation. Impossible because moms, who are 6 out of 10 of the people who need and

have abortions, are facing dangerous and drastic restrictions on their ability to decide if and when their family grows. Serious because becoming a mom is increasingly dangerous as shown by the CDC reporting a 40% spike in moms dying before their frst Mother’s Day, and that Black women are 3 times as likely to die in childbirth. Impossible because being a mom is now a greater predictor of wage and hiring discrimination than gender—and due to structural racism, moms of color experience increased wage hits to the extent that Latina moms earn just 46 cents, and Black moms just 52 cents, to a white dad’s dollar.

And it’s serious because when our children come into this impossible situation, we are all forced to sit with deep fear for them when they go to school, to the movies, to the park, or out in the world because guns are now the leading cause of childhood death in America where the right to bear arms overrides the right to raise our children in safety.

Moms Rising is advancing a freedom agenda.

For quality, afordable child care, and for aging and disability services; paid family and medical leave when a new child arrives or a serious illness strikes; medications and healthcare, including mental health services, we can aford. For the freedom to make our own decisions about if, and when, we grow our families without interference from politicians.

Make childbirth safe for everyone; welcome immigrants with dig-

FROM THE DESK OF DELIA DERIGGI-WHITTON

nity and respect. Invest in communities instead of prisons; have all our votes counted; for our children and families to live without gun violence, community violence, and police violence; for the wealthy and mega-corporations to pay their fair share.

“Advance programs that unite and lift us all – and to make clear that well-funded eforts by a vocal minority to divide us and take away our freedoms through censorship, book bans, health care denials do not provide the solutions we want or need. We know the solutions that will lift our nation and put families frst.”

The Biden-Harris administration is doing its level best to uphold reproductive freedom, achieve equal pay and a living wage, improve access to afordable child care and health care, keep us safe from wanton gun violence, address climate change and create a humane immigration policy, against formidable opposition and obstruction.

“We rise because moms work hard every day of the year and deserve leaders in every political party who have our back in the moments of celebration like Mother’s Day, and also in the quiet exhausted moments too. Having our backs means advancing the policies that give us the tools to build a good life for ourselves, for our children, and for our children’s children – and to lift the economy at the same time. We know how to solve the care crisis we collectively face,” writes Moms Rising.

Rise up and vote accordingly.

Why Nassau needs a strong I.G.’s Office

As a legislator who served during the height of corruption in Nassau County and witnessed the indictment of former Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, I know frsthand how important it is to have mechanisms in place to protect taxpayer money from the pitfalls of waste and fraud.

During the past last few years, I have worked closely with my minority caucus colleagues to strengthen the integrity of Nassau’s procurement system and make the process of awarding contracts as fair and secure as possible.

We did so by increasing the rigor of our contract reviews; requiring vendors to submit the names of all principals and any political contributions they have made, and mandating the disclo-

sure of any violations an applicant may have been issued.

Soon after, we created the Ofce of the Inspector General and appointed the county’s frst inspector general, Jodi Franzese – a proud moment in my legislative career.

Operating as an independent offcial, the inspector general and their team promote transparency and increase the accountability of county operations by reviewing each contract to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and the abuse of taxpayer money in Nassau County procurement.

Continued support for the Inspector General’s ofce is critical to further ensuring the integrity of our procurement system – one that encompasses hundreds of millions of dollars each year. However, it appears that there are eforts being made to weaken this cru-

cial County government watchdog.

After her four-year term expired at the end of 2022, the inspector general worked for months without being reappointed by the Legislature, placing her and the entire ofce into an uncertain posture.

Without the protection that being formally appointed by a bipartisan, 13-vote supermajority provides, the inspector general’s ability to achieve its mission of serving as an independent watchdog is inherently weakened.

That is why the Minority Caucus introduced legislation in April to extend the Inspector General’s contract through 2026. Unfortunately, the Majority rejected our proposal, and the Inspector General recently announced she will be leaving her position efec-

tive June 1.

Preserving and enhancing ethics safeguards like the Inspector General’s ofce will not only protect taxpayer money from waste, fraud, and abuse, it will also deter future bad actors and help to ensure that elected ofcials have all the information they need to reach informed decisions.

The minority caucus will continue to fght tirelessly to dramatically improve the procurement process to make it more transparent, inclusive, and costefective – and it is essential for Nassau County to continue down this path

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, of Glen Cove, represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District.

KAREN RUBIN View Point

DELIA DeRIGGI-WHITTON

Nassau County Legislator

Rampant Republican corruption

Remembrance – Thoughts on Memorial Day C

Spring.

These frank, fallen blossoms Anoint the wounds. So many.

How sad this freedom I cherish Is born from the cruelest cauldron. Sadness is lashed to my heart and thought. Death Scorches Life.

We want nothing more than peace And to end all war, and failed. Life holds no sanctuary, for this You made the ultimate sacrifce.

Into the fames, the terror and thunder, You did not shrink from death. Where you fell and lay is sacred ground, We pray and say your name to remember.

And strike a fame blazing for All Souls, And bear the hallowed light.

I stand at attention—I will stand a long time, Beyond patience and indiference,

As God is my witness.

The mournful trumpet sounds. Sadness is lashed to my heart. Peace is yours by right, now and ever.

The trumpet sounds.

Alas, peace is yours. We salute you.

Stephen Cipot Garden City Park

Is Santos being treated unfairly?

Continued from Page 14

but said doctors who performed abortions should be criminally prosecuted.

Santos also attended the Stop the Steal rally that led to the attack on the Capitol and says he provided fnancial assistance to lawyers representing members of the mob who sought to overturn the election.

Santos even borrowed Trump’s language by calling the investigation into his activities a “witch hunt.”

D’Esposito said following Santos’ indictment “As a retired NYPD Detective, I am confdent the justice system will fully reveal Congressman Santos’ long history of deceit, and I once again call on this serial fraudster to resign from ofce.”

Doesn’t that also describe the person leading the GOP presidential primary feld?

If not, D’Esposito and other Nassau Republicans, including Chairman Joseph Cairo, should explain why.

orrupt Clarence Thomas and his Supreme Court grift are truly emblematic of the current MAGA-fascist Republican party and its reliance on dark money cesspools, money rooted in the ‘Citizens United’ decision.

Now George Anthony Devolder Santos (or whatever the hell his name is) has been arrested and charged with 13 federal counts.

The Santos campaign fnance scam polluted the election of virtually every so-called Republican in Queens, Nassau and Sufolk, and else-

where. It was directed by none other than Nancy Marks the fnance guru of SleezyLeeZ, Lee Zeldin (Q-Shirley), the insurrectionist former congressman and failed gubernatorial candidate.

The current MAGA-fascist Republicans rely on cesspools of dark money from what I call the “Billionaire Boyz Club,” which has been seditiously seeking to undermine our republican democracy since the Koch brothers took the John Birch Society underground, so to speak. Nassau MAGA-fascist Republicans can’t help themselves.

Is Bruce Blakeman’s wife really the best candidate for a Judgeship (no matter what her qualifcations), or is she more likely just another example of corrupt Republican nepotism in the extreme?

It certainly looks that way. The party of Margiotta, Skelos and Mangano continues its bad act under Joe Cairo who gives little more than lip service to ethics. Follow the money

Eric Cashdan Sands Point

Would you like a glass of rocket fuel?

Perhaps you should review the Water Authority of Western Nassau County’s Annual Water Quality Report (www. wawnc.org) before drinking (or eating) your next cup of cofee, water or spaghetti.

The recently released information is defnitely an eye-opener.

Looking at the Table of Detected Contaminants, you will fnd that almost every contaminant is either close to or at the maximum levels allowed by New York State.

The water quality issue is not new and it is being addressed but you would think that drinking water used by residents of our area would be of utmost importance with an emergency status to rectify.

While progressives are busy taking away gas stoves, limiting reliable energy production and forcing you to buy cars that won’t go far in the winter to save the world one-tenth of a degree of global warming in the next 50 years, citizens are being needlessly exposed to carcinogens in

drinking water.

The cost of correcting the hazardous water is exponentially less than saving the planet. We must expedite the installation of remedial equipment at all our wells for the health of all of us and our children. The perchlorates (rocket fuel oxidizer) in our water will not speed up the process!

Mark Klein New Hyde Park

Schumer, debt ceiling, Social Security

Shame on Sen. Chuck Schumer for scaring 65 million seniors by claiming that if we don’t extend the federal government debt ceiling, they may not receive their monthly Social Security check. Schumer should be aware, that as a member of Congress in 1996, they passed a law, Section 1145, “Protection of Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds.” This legislation ensures that Social Security checks will keep fowing, even if the United States

government begins defaulting on its other existing fnancial obligations. The law allows Social Security and Medicare trust funds to be drawn down to continue paying benefts until the debt limit is raised. It also prevents those funds from being used to pay for any other government programs.

Uncle Sam has taken in over $2 trillion in revenue for fscal year 2023. Uncle Sam has never missed a monthly payment in the history

of Social Security despite many threatened defaults

Rest assured, Schumer, his wife Iris Weinshall and millions of seniors will still receive their SSI checks. Perhaps Schumer needs to take a cognitive memory test,.so constituents can be sure he is aware of the facts.

Larry Penner Great Neck

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board have announced that the Memorial Day Commemoration and Fireworks Extravaganza will be held at North Hempstead Beach Park on Saturday, May 27, with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“The Town is so pleased to announce the annual Memorial Day Commemoration and Fireworks show at North Hempstead Beach Park,” DeSena said. “Memorial Day serves as an opportunity to honor the members of our Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. I urge all who attend to take the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by these brave men and women for our country. Additionally, the Town will offer free parking for veterans and active-duty military on the night of the event as a gesture of appreciation for all that the men and women currently enlisted in the military, as well as our veterans, have done in service to our country.”

This year, the Memorial Day Commemoration and Fireworks Extravaganza will feature a fireworks display by Santore Fireworks and musical entertainment from Decadia featuring hit songs from the ’80s to today.

The Town is offering free parking for veterans and active duty military for the Annual Memorial Day Commemoration and Fireworks Extravaganza. Parking passes will be available at various facilities throughout the town with a proof of ID.

The free parking passes for active military members and veterans will be issued at the following locations:

Clinton G. Martin Park – 1601 Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park

Office of the Town Clerk – 200 Plandome Road, Manhasset

North Hempstead “Yes We Can” Community Center –

141 Garden Street, Westbury

Michael J. Tully Park – 1801 Evergreen Avenue, New Hyde Park

Qualifying residents will need to show their government-issued VA card or an active military ID.

The veterans parking pass applies only when the main lot at North Hempstead Beach Park is still open. When the lot is full, overflow parking is available for free with shuttle bus transportation.

Gates open at 3 p.m., and the program will start at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin approximately at 9:15 p.m.

Food will be available for purchase. Food trucks onsite will include: B Bistro: A Taste of Vietnam, Fast Eddie’s Pizza, Sausage Kings, The Milk and Sugar Truck, Trini Bites, and more.

The event is free, but vehicles will be charged a $10 parking fee (cash only). When the lot is full free overflow parking will be available with free shuttle bus transportation. No drop-offs or walk-ins allowed. Attendees are urged to leave dogs at home due noise sensitivity; however, service dogs are welcome.

For more information, please visit www.northhempsteadny. gov or call 311 or (516) 869-6311.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD

The fireworks lighting up the sky over Hempstead Harbor.

Differences between commercial, artisanal wines

There are two broad categories of wines available to the everyday consumer: those produced by commercial wine companies and those produced by smaller, artisanal producers.

When you boil it down, the main diference is brand recognition, but it helps to know the real diferences and what else you’re getting with that familiarity.

Commercial wineries are attempting to produce a consistent brand that consumers can depend on year after year. Independent wineries do the opposite; their vineyards paint the picture of a particular growing season (or vintage) from a specifc place.

This substantial diference can be highlighted by their approaches to farming. Some years result in better harvests than others, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the grapes from an abundant harvest will produce a better wine.

Commercial wineries set out to grow as many grapes as possible to maximize their production. They often grow grapes in large, monoculture vineyards that can go on for hundreds of acres.

These vineyards are typically managed using pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals to ensure that the grapes grow quickly and uniformly. Additionally, commercial winemakers usually use a limited range of grape varieties, focusing on those that are popular and can sell easily.

This can lead to a homogenization of wine styles and a lack of diversity in your local shop.

Independent wine producers, on the other hand, tend to focus on sustainable, organic, or biodynamic farming practices. This means that they work to cultivate healthy, diverse soil, and rely on natural pest management techniques rather than chemicals.

Every winemaking region shows a direct

correlation between farming and the resulting wines. By avoiding pesticides and other harmful chemicals, winemakers can reduce their impact on the environment and promote biodiversity in the vineyard.

This can lead to healthier soil and more resilient vines, which in turn can result in higherquality grapes and a more complex and favorful wine.

Independent producers also tend to grow a wider range of grape varieties (which might not be proftable for larger companies) which can express the unique characteristics of their terroir and results in a broader range of favors and styles.

Another important diference between commercial wines and wines made by independent

producers is in the winemaking practices used. Commercial wineries tend to rely heavily on technology and industrial-scale equipment to make their wines.

This can result in wines that are consistent in taste and reliable year after year, but may lack the unique character and complexity that can come from more traditional winemaking techniques.

Smaller producers often use these more traditional, hands-on and labor-intensive methods to make their wines. This almost always includes using natural yeast for fermentation, allowing wines to ferment and age for longer periods of time, and using less (if any) additives to change the wine.

These practices can result in wines that are more complex and nuanced, with unique favors and aromas that are specifc to the terroir in which they were grown.

Wines don’t have nutrition facts or an ingredients list. In the U.S., you can legally add over 90 diferent ingredients to your wine in order to change the favor, texture and aroma.

Again, if your goal is to paint the picture of your particular vineyard where you grew amazing, healthy grapes- you wouldn’t doctor the wines or cover up their beautiful nuances with chemicals and additives.

Some of the most signifcant diferences between commercial brands and independent wineries is how producers advertise and market their wines. Large commercial wineries often rely on extensive marketing campaigns and advertising with well-known celebrities to promote their wines.

While this can help to create a sense of recognition and trust among consumers, it can also

make it difcult for people to make an unbiased opinion on the product. Smaller producers often rely on more personal connections with customers to promote their wines.

They may ofer tastings or host events where customers can learn about the wines and the winemaking process. They may also rely on word-of-mouth recommendations and social media to promote their wines.

While this can make it more challenging to get their wines in front of a wider audience, it can also help to build a loyal following of customers who appreciate the unique character and quality of their wines.

If you want to experience the unique character and quality of wines made by smaller, artisanal producers, look for independent wine shops that tend to focus on boutique producers rather than mass-produced brands.

These shops often have knowledgeable staf who can provide guidance and recommendations based on your preferences. Here, on Long Island, most wine shops only purchase from the two big distributors: Empire Merchants and Southern Glazer’s.

Find a shop willing to work with smaller distributors who actually care about their products.

The diferences between commercial wines and wines made by smaller producers are numerous. While both types of wines can be enjoyable and have their place, those produced by smaller producers often ofer more unique character, complex favors, and a connection to the land and farming practices used to grow the grapes. Furthermore, by supporting smaller producers, consumers can help to preserve traditional winemaking techniques and support sustainable, environmentally friendly farming practices.

Warbirds join Jones Beach air show

In observance of Memorial Day, the American Airpower Museum continues its annual Arsenal of Democracy Warbird events, with vintage military aircraft performing aerial demonstrations on Friday, May 26, and over Jones Beach on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28.

AAM’s warbirds include a B-25 Mitchell Bomber, Douglas C-47 Skytrain troop transport, Grumman TBM Avenger Torpedo Bomber, North American P-51D Mustang Fighter and two AT-6 Texan trainers. Once again, three visiting Navy EA-18G Growlers will be parked on AAM’s ramp, subject to other military commitments.

If you can’t make it to Jones Beach, watch these awe-inspiring aircraft as they take of to perform practice fybys over Republic Airport all day on Friday, May 26. Get up close and personal with these historic bombers and fghters of yesteryear!

Then join us at AAM to catch even more aerial action on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, as they take of to perform in the air show! Flight

experiences are also available each day on one of AAM’s AT-6 Texans plus the red WACO Biplane! Park for free in AAM’s lot or along New Highway. Food and Ice Cream trucks will be available onsite. AAM is also open Monday, Memorial Day, closing at 4:00 p.m.

According to AAM President Jef Clyman, the goal for this three-day extravaganza is two-fold. “To honor the men and women of the ‘Greatest Generation’ who built, maintained and piloted the iconic warbirds of yesteryear, in a bold defense of freedom during World War II, as well as active-duty military, reservists and the national guard, who continue this mission to our present day.”

Clyman said that public support strengthens AAM’s mission to educate the next generation about American military aviation history, and also helps maintain the museum’s iconic aircraft. “Help keep ‘em fying,” he added.

As a special promotion, every paying museum guest (18 and over) throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday, is entitled to win a Cockpit USA “made in the USA” leather fight jacket. Cockpit USA, sponsor of the American Airpower Museum, is an ofcial supplier to the United States Air Force of A-2 leather fight jackets!

Hours for all three days are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No tickets or preregistration required.

Regular admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and veterans, $12 for children ages 5-12. Arrive early and stay all day. Three days of action guaranteed to thrill aviation fans of all ages! Don’t forget your cameras or smart phones. The American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport, Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

Some of the more popular artisanal wines at Williston Park Wines & Spirits

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMERICAN AIRPOWER MUSEUM North American P-51D Mustang, Legendary World War II Fighter

Family Care Connections, LLC

BY BARRY KLITSBERG Nassau County Medicare Counselor, FCA

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Older Americans Month, which is celebrated every May as a way for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.

This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, ofers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfllment by paving our own paths as we age.

This may involve reinventing ourselves with a “second act” career or avocation but also in-

cludes seeking assistance for chores and tasks that we are no longer able to do for ourselves or need help understanding, such as complex fnancial transactions.

Family and Children’s Association participates in many programs designed to assist seniors in ways that allow them to remain active, engaged and in charge of their lives.

Popular programs such as Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program; Financial Counseling, Bill Payer, Tax assistance, Reverse Mortgages, and programs designed to protect seniors from exploitation are available at FCA.

These programs are ofered for free or at minimal cost to seniors. Our ofce can be reached at 516-485-3425.

Other programs are available through the Nassau County Ofce for the Aging that helps older adults get out in the community and socialize.

They may include transportation assistance, senior centers, social adult day centers, homedelivered meals and nutrition programs as well as other supportive services. The ofce can be reached at 516-227-8900.

Please feel free to contact our ofces if you or a family member are in need of assistance to remain at home and want to enjoy a full and vibrant life regardless of age.

Barry Klitsberg is an Assistant Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance (HIICAP) Coordinator at FCA in Garden City.

A possible solution in dealing with those suffering from cognitive decline in New York

BY LAURA BRANCATO

It’s an unfortunate reality that the number of individuals living with cognitive impairment is rising.

Advanced age is the greatest risk factor for cognitive impairment. With most Baby Boomers over 60 years of age, the number of people living with cognitive impairment is expected to jump dramatically.

An estimated 5.1 million Americans aged 65 years or older may currently have Alzheimer’s disease. This number may rise to 13.2 million by 2050.

While this is sobering news, there are tools from the social services and legal perspectives to address the multitude of challenges that arise with cognitive impairment.

In the legal world, specific steps should be taken in every estate plan, no matter how large or small the estate, to address future care directives. This ensures that individual wishes are carried out whatever the future holds, with special care given to the potential for diminished cognitive function.

For those suffering from cognitive decline, guardianship can play a critical role in managing a person’s affairs to ensure appropriate care.

By law, guardianship must be considered as a last resort. If proper estate planning has been done during wellness, the plan should never be exposed to guardianship. For those who have failed to plan or whose plans are outdated or ineffective, guardianship is an essential mechanism to provide the necessary support for those unable to care for themselves or their affairs.

Guardianship is a legal process through the county Supreme Court that gives the guardian a great deal of control over the financial and medical needs of a loved one suffering from incapacity.

Through guardianship, social services can be accessed and other mechanisms of daily support can be investigated to create a robust plan of support.

Each person and situation is unique, but guardianship may be considered for someone exhibiting behaviors that signal an inability to self-care or a failure to appreciate the dangers that exist if certain things aren’t managed in an effective way.

Behaviors may include not bathing or dressing, disregarding medical needs including making doctor appointments and filling prescriptions and the inability to handle financial

matters or pay bills. If someone knows to ask for help, it’s a different matter.

Guardianship should only be considered after having thoroughly investigated every other avenue and ideally would be created in concert with legal counsel experienced in elder law or litigation.

In New York, guardianships may not be limited to elderly individuals and can, in limited circumstances, apply to people who have mental health disabilities, substance use disorder, traumatic brain injury, sudden medical trauma or other conditions that affect functional capacity. Temporary guardianships can be sought if someone is expected to regain capacity.

One of the best alternatives to guardianship is a well-thought-out plan for financial and caregiver support.

Clients who are open and honest with family members tend to avoid later litigation over their estate plans. Litigation often stems from lack of information or misinformation among family members.

Under the best of circumstances, it is difficult to see a loved one in decline. Taking the steps to make sure they will get the care that respects the decisions they made when well helps to ease that journey for all involved.

When we sleep our skin's recovery process begins. This is why your nightly skin beauty routine is so important to maintain the health and youthfulness of your complexion. Now is the time to use those costly yet vital serums with concentrations of retinol, growth factors, peptides and humectants to work for us while we dream.

Now’s the time to pull out that home beauty device and use it with your active serums to boost the penetration of the ingredients for better results. The A, B, C’s

1. Start with a ‘double’ cleanse: Facial wipes are ok but I prefer a rinse of cleanser that dis-

solves makeup and cuts through oil without drying. C-cleanser foam by Noon smells refreshing and leaves skin clean. Step 2, toner is a must at night and you will notice that cotton pad turns tan after swiping it in every nook of your face.

2. Hyalauronic acid serums can be a game changer in plumping lines and wrinkles as it draws moisture from the atmosphere deep within your skin. A universal booster to your night time routine. Blue Youth serum is a favorite because it combines the frming efect of Tripeptide-28 along with minerals and three forms of H.A. (hyaluronic acid).

3. Retinol, retinol, and more retinol-The gold standard for 25 years proven to build new collagen, elastin and frmness. Brightens pigment, tightens pores, reduces lines and pores-some of the benefts of this wonder ingredient. Ret-Bright night oil uses a ‘time-release’ delivery and reduces the chance of dryness associated with retinol serums. This oil also has Bakuchoil- the twin ingredient with no side efects for a double frming efect.This ingredient is vegan, gentle yet very efective.

4. Drive those products deep within: Device time! LED, ultrasound energy, microcurrent all aid

in delivering active ingredients to deeper skin levels for better results. LED supports healthy collagen production and is anti-infammatory in reducing redness, while ultrasound plumps and frms the skin. Favorite: Time Master Pro-has all the LED options Red, Green, Blue as well as 4 levels of ultrasound strength. The strongest energy level for home use comes with a charger and large tube of collagen peptide gel that conducts the ultrasound energy for maximum benefts.

Wake up to frmer, more youthful skin while enjoying a good night's sleep! Not bad for multi-tasking

KERRY ELMASRY

PHOTO BY MELTZER LIPPE

Laura Brancato

The early years of midlife are a hectic time for many people. Around the time many people reach their late 30s and early 40s, they're balancing the responsibilities of a career and a family. But as people enter their 50s, some of those responsibilities tend to be less significant, leaving more time for recreational pursuits.

Hobbies and other pursuits outside of work are often more fun when enjoyed with friends. People over 50 undoubtedly recognize that it's not always so easy to make new friends, even though it's undeniably beneficial to have supportive relationships into your golden years. A 2017 study from researchers at Michigan State University found that valuing friendships was a stronger predictor of health and happiness among older adults than valuing family. Those results align with an earlier Australian study that found Australians age 70 or older tended to live significantly longer if they had more strong friendships.

Making friends after 50 might not be as simple as it was during your school days, but these strategies can help men and women in midlife build new friendships.

· Identify your interests. Fiftysomethings who have spent the last couple of decades building a career and raising a family can give some serious thought to their interests

outside of work or passions they hope to pursue now that they have more time to commit to such pursuits. The more interested you are in a given activity, the more likely

you are to stick with it. And the longer you stick with something, the more likely you are to meet like-minded individuals (i.e., future friends) willing to make similar

commitments.

· Utilize social media. In years past, men and women over 50 may not have had any readily available tools to reach out and connect with

new people. Social media has made it much easier to build such connections. Even the most obscure passions likely have a social media group of locals devoted to them, and these groups can be great ways to meet new people. A local runner's club may have its own social media accounts, and local governments and community groups often share information about sports leagues and other groups via social media.

· Sign up for group outings. Communities often sponsor group outings to museums, the theater, sporting events, and other day trips. Signing up for a bus trip to a local museum presents a great opportunity to meet people who share your interests, providing the potential to build lasting friendships built on a foundation of shared interests.

· Broaden your horizons. Just because you're in your 50s doesn't mean your friends have to be. Don't hesitate to invite younger or older acquaintances and colleagues over for dinner or on weekend excursions. Friends come in all shapes, sizes and ages, so you could be missing out if you're not willing to extend a hand in friendship to people of different ages and backgrounds.

Making friends after 50 can be challenging. However, various strategies can help men and women over 50 connect with new people.

Investing is often portrayed as something people need not worry about after retirement. The theory that people should avoid risk as they approach and reach retirement age makes sense, as the unknown of investing can expose aging individuals to losses that compromise their ability to live comfortably on fixed incomes.

Though conventional wisdom regarding financial risk and aging still makes sense, the effects of inflation over the last year-plus have highlighted how important it can be for seniors to keep growing their money even after they retire. Fortunately, various strategies can help seniors grow their money without exposing them to considerable risk.

· Look into high-yield savings accounts. Interest on savings accounts was once a great way for individuals to grow their money. But interest rates on standard, no-minimumbalance accounts are now so low that the growth in interest is negligible. However, individuals with sizable

savings, such as seniors, can explore high-yield savings accounts. Highyield savings accounts offer much higher interest rates than standard accounts. The rules governing eligibility to open such accounts differ between financial institutions, but many mandate that account holders have high minimum balances, typically in the neighborhood of $250,000. So long as account holders maintain that minimum balance, they can accrue penalty-free interest without exposing their money to the risks of the market.

· Consider other exclusive bank accounts. High-yield savings accounts are not the only way seniors’ banks may be able to help grow their money without necessarily taking on market-related risk. Products such as Chase Private Client CheckingSM offer exclusive perks, including a dedicated client advisor who can work with seniors as they navigate life changes, including retirement.

· Consider low-risk investments. Risk aversion is not the same thing

as risk avoidance. It’s wise for seniors to be averse to risk, but they can still consider low-risk investments like short-term bonds as a means to growing their money in retirement. Low-risk investments can be vulnerable to inflation, not unlike money sitting in a savings account. However, certain short-term bonds, such as Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, are designed to mirror inflation, which makes them an option worthy of consideration for seniors who have been concerned by the ways inflation has affected their financial status in recent years. According to the Department of the Treasury, the principal of a TIPS can go up or down over its term. When the bond reaches maturity, if the principal is higher than the original amount, bond holders get the increased amount. If the principal is lower at maturity, bond holders still get the original amount. Seniors looking to grow their money after retirement can consider a host of options that can make them less vulnerable to inflation.

The value of hobbies is undeniable. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that employees who engaged in creative hobbies outside of work were more creative on work projects and had a better attitude on the job, while a separate study published in Psychosomatic Medicine in 2009 reported that individuals who engaged in enjoyable leisure activities had lower blood pressure and a smaller waist circumference.

The myriad benefts of hobbies is good news for seniors, many of whom have ample time for leisure activities. Whether seniors are retired or still working but free from the responsibilities of parenting, the following are some fun and engaging hobbies to fll that free time.

· Cooking: Years spent hustling and bustling through the daily grind of personal and professional obligations might have forced individuals to embrace cooking that emphasized convenience over culinary skill. Now that there's more time to embrace one's inner Emeril, seniors can look to cooking classes or take the selftaught route and purchase a new cookbook flled with delicious recipes. A well-cooked homemade meal can provide a sense of accomplishment and afords seniors an opportunity to control the ingredients in the foods they eat, which can be important for individuals with health-related dietary restrictions.

· Writing: Many successful individuals have penned their memoirs after long, notable careers and lives. While individuals needn't follow suit with the goal of making their memoirs public, writing can be a great

way for seniors to document their own lives and the lives of their families. Interest in genealogy has risen considerably in recent years, as easily accessible websites like Ancestry.com and 23andMe.com have made it easier than ever for individuals to learn where they came from. Seniors can contextualize the information provided by genealogy websites by writing about their personal experiences and sharing what they know about the lives of their parents, siblings, grandparents, and other family members.

· Gardening: Seniors looking for hobbies that get them out in the great outdoors need look no further than their own backyards. Gardening can beneft the body in myriad ways. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, gardening can burn as many calories as working out in the gym. In addition, the MCHS notes that individuals who grow their own fruits and vegetables are more likely to include those foods in their own diets, thus saving them money at the grocery store and also increasing their intake of nutrient-rich foods.

· Swimming: Swimming is an ideal exercise for seniors, as it's low-impact but still a great way to utilize the entire body. A 2007 study published in the journal Quality of Life Research found that water-based exercise improves older adults' quality of life and decreases disability. A separate study published in 2008 in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that water-based exercise can improve or help to maintain bone health in post-menopausal women.

These are just a few of the many hobbies seniors can pursue as they look for positive and fun ways to spend their free time.

Travel was once a key component of the picture working professionals created of their ideal retirements. While the COVID-19 pandemic put many retirement travel plans on hold in recent years, jetting of to distant locales is once again on retirees' radars.

A 2022 survey from AARP found that individuals 50 and over were poised to not only get back on the road, but also spend signifcantly more money on travel. Prior to the pandemic, Americans 50 and over spent $7,314 annually on travel, according to data from AARP. By spring 2022, individuals in that same age bracket indicated a readiness to spend $8,369 on travel.

Eagerness to get back on the road, in the air or on the high seas could make it easy to overlook some principles of safe travel. However, such an oversight could lead to complications that could make it hard to enjoy time away from home. The following tips can reduce the likelihood that seniors encounter trouble while traveling.

· Determine if any health issues are afecting your desired destinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a website devoted to travel vaccines (cdc.gov/travel/ page/travel-vaccines), and that page can be an invaluable resource for individuals planning a vacation. What's more, the CDC even provides a specifc list of destinations and the latest travel health notices for each of those nations. That list, accessible at cdc.gov/travel/destinations/ list can help seniors determine if there are any health-related safety issues in countries they hope to visit.

· Speak to your physician. A pre-trip consultation with a physician can uncover any issues that might arise while you're away. Such issues

may be easily managed for domestic travelers who are not planning to visit any especially remote locations, but they will not necessarily be as easily navigated when traveling overseas. Physicians can recommend certain vaccinations or measures to ensure your health while away. In addition, a pre-trip doctor visit is a great time to refll prescriptions that you will need while you're away.

· Take fnancial precautions as well. Of course, not all travel-related concerns are medical. Finances also require some pre-trip attention. Infation has caused a sharp spike in the price of various commodities since the start of 2022, so travelers should study up on the cost of food and attractions at their destination to ensure they have enough money to enjoy themselves. Baggage costs have risen signifcantly in recent years, so seniors traveling on a budget may want to pack less and do laundry while traveling in an efort to save money. In addition, the unpredictable nature of travel since the onset of the pandemic has underscored the utility of travel insurance. Seniors can look into travel insurance that could reimburse them in the case of delays or cancellations.

· Privately share your itinerary. Prior to departing, share your itinerary with friends and family. Avoid sharing the itinerary on social media platforms, which can make you a target for criminals at home and at your destination. The itinerary should include where you're staying, the dates you're visiting certain locations and the dates of activities you'll be engaging in on your trip.

Seniors rediscovering the joy of traveling can take various measures to make their trips more safe.

Many adults nearing retirement age count down the days until they can bid adieu to the daily tasks of commuting and working so they can enjoy much more time for recreation, travel or whatever is they aspire to do.

As enticing as unending free time may seem, some retirees find it is not ideal to be entirely free from the responsibility of working. As current seniors can attest, inflation can drive up the costs of living, meaning that seniors who were once able to afford a certain retirement lifestyle may no longer enjoy that hard-earned luxury. Others may miss the daily opportunities to socialize that working provides, or the way problemsolving on the job stimulates the brain. But even retirees who miss working may not be ready to return to the workforce full-time. That can make part-time employment an ideal fit for mature workers.

Here’s a look at some part-time positions that could be a good fit for older adults reentering the workforce.

Retail sales associate

Working in retail opens seniors up to a wide array of responsibilities and scenarios. Jobs may include greeting customers, making sales, putting out inventory, and helping customers select merchandise. Being personable and having good customer service skills are necessary traits to have when working in retail. Many stores offer part-time employees flexible hours so schedules can be customized.

Consultant

Retirees who loved their job but wanted to spend less time doing it can return as consultants. According to The Balance: Money, individuals often find they earn more per hour working as consultants than they did as full-time staff members. Consulting is a way to share expertise and experience without making a full-time commitment.

Customer service representative

A customer service representative is tasked with helping customers solve problems and ensuring customer satisfaction. He or she may work ain a traditional office or store location, or answer calls and resolve issues from home.

School positions

Retirees may want to consider jobs working in schools or in related capacities. Driving a school bus is an option if people are willing to undergo the proper training and licensing to operate this type of vehicle. Seniors also may consider working as lunchroom aides or lunch service providers, crossing guards, substitute teachers, and paraprofessionals. School employees will only work a few hours during the day. They’ll also enjoy many holidays off as well as summer vacations.

Receptionist

Receptionists greet patients or customers in office settings. According to AARP, they are the welcoming faces of organizations. Answering phones and light clerical work also may be required of receptionists. Those who want to work offpeak hours can think about working nights and weekends in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities.

Seniors have many different options if they decide they want to return to the workforce in a part-time capacity.

People are living longer, a reality that can be traced to a number of factors, including advancements in medicine and greater dissemination of information regarding preventive health care. According to data from the United Nations Population Division, the average life expectancy in the United States is 81.65 for women and 76.61 for men. Canada has even higher life expectancies, at 84.74 for women and 81.15 for men.

As people live longer, some may outlive their significant others and ultimately find themselves once again interested in sharing experiences with a special someone. Seniors ready to re-enter the dating pool may find that things are quite different from what they experienced as naïve teenagers or young adults. Dating used to be about hanging out with friends and meeting people at shared events, such as school dances or work parties or even while enjoying a night out with friends. Nowadays, dating often begins in cyberspace. This can be confusing and anxiety-inducing for adults who didn't grow up with technology guiding their every move.

According to a report in The Atlantic, more than one-third of baby boomers are not currently married, and this generation has had higher rates of separation and divorce and lower rates of marriage than the generations that preceded them. Many boomers have years ahead of them to devote to new relationships. Here's what they

may want to know before navigating twentyfirst century dating waters.

· You're not in this alone. While online dating may be portrayed as a young person's game, plenty of older adults are now finding connections online. In fact, many different dating apps are geared toward the senior set, including SeniorMatch, eHarmony, Singles50, OKCupid, and Silver Singles, among others.

· You have more time for fun. As a senior, you may have more time to devote to recreation and leisure. This can be a great opportunity to get out and meet someone who shares your passions and interests.

· Online dating has its advantages. While online dating apps and websites may have certain things working against them, particularly if their algorithms for pairing people are not finetuned, they also can be helpful. Online dating can expand social circles beyond local neighborhoods or even states, provinces or countries. You're casting your net over a much larger body of water. Furthermore, dating app profiles typically spell out exactly what another person is seeking, which can save seniors from having to revisit awkward dating moments from years past.

Seniors may have to navigate new waters in modern dating. But with a good mindset and a little persistence, it is possible for seniors to find a special someone in cyberspace.

The benefts of spending time in the great outdoors are signifcant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spending time outdoors may improve mental health and help to reduce stress, and the vitamin D the body absorbs while outside can have a positive efect on blood cells and the immune system.

Seniors can beneft from the great outdoors as much as anyone. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which strengthens bones. That's especially benefcial for seniors, as the National Council on Aging notes that bone density often decreases after age 50, which can increase the risk of fractures. That's especially so in women over the age of 50, as a 2021 report from Amgen, Inc., indicated women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density within fve to seven years of menopause.

Spending time in the great outdoors also provides a social beneft, encouraging individuals from all walks of life, including seniors, to get out of their homes and spend time with other people.

With so much to gain from spending time outside, seniors can consider these three outdoor exercises as they seek to maintain or improve their overall health.

1. Walking: Walking is free and efective. In fact, WebMD notes that a brisk 30-minute walk can improve blood fow, contribute to a stronger heart, strengthen bones, and even help people sleep better at night. In addition, a 2022 study published in the journal JAMA Neurology found that people between the ages of 40 and 79 who walked about 9,800 steps per day were 51 percent less likely to develop dementia than people who didn't walk much at all.

2. Cycling: Riding a bike is both fun and a great form of outdoor exercise. Though many studies regarding the health efects of cycling have looked at the value of riding a bike to work, a scenario that does not apply to retirees, the results of such studies still ofer insight into just how valuable it can be to ride a bike. For example, a 2020 study published in the journal The Lancet found that people who cycled to work were 24 percent less likely to die of heart disease and 11 percent less likely to develop cancer. Seniors, whether they are still working or retired, can incorporate cycling into their daily routines and enjoy all the fun and health benefts that riding a bike provides.

3. Hiking: Hiking is a bit more strenuous than walking, particularly when individuals choose to traverse steep and/or rocky terrain. WebMD notes that hiking after age 60 can help people reduce their risk of falls and fractures; lower their risk for a host of ailments, including coronary heart disease, colon cancer and diabetes; reduce blood pressure, even in adults who have already been diagnosed with hypertension; and maintain healthy bones and joints. Hiking is not a one-size-fts-all activity, so seniors, especially those who would characterize themselves as novice hikers, are urged to speak with their physicians prior to hiking trails that are not fat.

Seniors can consider these three fun activities and others as they answer the call of the great outdoors. Walking, cycling and hiking ofer a great reason to get out of the house and reap the health-related benefts of spending time outside.

Our Personal Pledge

To provide compassionate and dignifed funeral services that meet the special requests of your family. With over 30 years of experience we have the knowledge to serve all religious faiths and ethnic groups. It is this pledge that allows us to create a meaningful funeral service with the upmost attention to detail while your family receives concierge like service in an elegant home like surrounding.

We offer a complete range of affordable, quality services from Traditional Funerals to a Simple Cremation. We invite you to contact us with your questions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we are glad to arrange a tour of newly renovated facilities.

The things you love doing are more than just passions. They’re what make you “you.” This is why at The Bristal, our expert team members dedicate their time, attention, and energy to creating customized social activities that ensure each resident continues being the unique person they are. And, in the process, create the one-of-a-kind community we are, too.

See for yourself. Explore all of our locations in the tri-state area. thebristal.com

Hall to celebrate hip hop’s 50th anniversary

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame will celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with a special concert and panel discussion event on Sunday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at the venue’s home base in Stony Brook Village (97 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY).

The event will feature legendary stars Son of Bazerk, Kool Rock-Ski (of The Fat Boys), A.J. Rock (of J.V.C. F.O.R.C.E.), DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Johnny Juice (of Public Enemy), Dinco D and Milo in de Dance (both of Leaders of the New School), and special guest Ralph McDaniels (of Video Music Box), as well as other surprise hip-hop guest artists.

DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Johnny Juice, Kool Rock-Ski, and Son of Bazerk will be performing LIVE music. There will also be a panel discussion moderated by Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Vice Chairman and longtime host of the “Sounds of Film Radio Show,” who will be joined by members of JVC Force, Leaders of the New School, DJ Johnny Juice and Ralph McDaniels.

“We are honored to pay tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop with a live concert performed by some of hip hop’s most infuential artists, all from Long Island,” said Ernie Canadeo, LIMEHOF chairman. “It is a testament to Long Island’s prominent and continuing role in hip-hop’s legacy.”

Although the Bronx often receives the most credit for the origins of hip-hop, Long Island was very infuential in its development.

Most Long Island hip-hop performers went to the city to perform. Through the years, LIMEHOF has paid tribute to the hip-hop community by inducting artists from Long Island including LL COOL J, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kurtis Blow, Whodini, SaltN-Pepa, and EPMD.

For more information about tickets to the LIMEHOF Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Concert, please visit https://www.limusichallofame.org/ museum/

Fleetwood Macked returns to NY Beach Club

@ 6pm New York Beach Club, 1751 Ocean Blvd, At‐lantic Beach

Shamarr Allen @ 7pm

The Inn, 943 W Beech St, Long Beach

Giggly Squad Live @ 7pm / $29.50-$59.50

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Huntington

Mozart La Para

@ 8pm Blue Moon Cafe, 107 North Franklin Street, Hempstead

The Guess Who @ 8pm Tilles Center - Krasnoff Theater, 720 Northern Blvd, Brookville

Lifeguarding (5/20-21)

@ 9am / Free

May 20th - May 21st Long Beach Recreation Center, 700 Magnolia St, Long Beach. 516-978-7946

Pond Exploration set for May 20 at Sands Point Preserve @ 10am / $25-$30

Discover the fascinat‐ing residents of our freshwater pond envi‐ronment in an interac‐tive family program lead by Biologist and Ranger Eric Powers. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. info@sand spointpreserve.org, 516-571-7901

FIRE ISLAND VINES (FIV), 17 E Main St, Bay Shore

Saturday May 20th

Cradle-Con: A Comic, Collectible and Pop Culture Con

@ 10am / $30

May 20th - May 21st

Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City. reservations@cradleofaviation.org, 516-5724066

The Cradle of Aviation is proud to present an event that celebrates all things comic book culture. It is an opportunity for readers to meet and greet local comic book creators, collectors on the hunt for rare books and toys, cos‐players to show off some of their best work, and gamers to get their game on! This spectacular yet intimate experience allows fans of all ages to gather, socialize, and be passionate about what they love. Proceeds bene�t the museum's Preservation and Education Programs.

Asian American Festival @ 11:30am / $7-$10

The Town of North Hempstead's Asian American Festival will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington North Hempstead Beach Park, 175 West Shore Road, Port Washington. feedback @northhemp steadny.gov, 516-8696311

Roger Street Friedman at LYNP

2nd annual Sea Cliff Porch Fest 2023 @ 11am Various porches in Sea Cliff, NY, Sea Cliff

The Como Brothers @ 7pm

49th Annual Bethune-Height Recognition Program @ 12pm / $125

The event theme is “Looking Back, Moving Forward, Our Legacy: Future Generations Empowered.” Speakers will include Dr. A. Lois Keith and Rev. Dr. Shavon Arline-Bradley Leonard's Palazzo, 555 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck. ncnwnys bhrp2022@gmail.com, 516-387-2227

Galway to Broadway

@ 8pm / $59

Tilles Center - Krasnoff Theater, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville

blink-182 Tour 2023 @ 7:30pm / $23.50$273.50

UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Belmont Park - Long Is‐land

Sun 5/21

The BEIT HALOCHEM INTERNATIONAL 5K RUN

@ 6am / $10-$36

May 21st - Jun 4th

Hungrey Harbor Road, Valley Stream

Stop ‘N’ Swap @ 12pm

Stop 'N' Swaps are free community events where the public's in‐vited to bring clean, reusable, portable items that you no longer need, and take home something newto-you to enjoy. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Park‐way, Queens. hello@ queensfarm.org, 718347-3276

Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview

Howie Levy 5K

Run/Walk

@ 8am / $30

Run With Us and HELP SUPPORT the Howie Levy Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund at the Mid-Island Day Camp and Pancreatic Cancer Research Eisenhower Park, 1899 Park Boule‐vard, East Meadow

Robbie's Run 5k

@ 8:30am / $10-$20 21 Babylon Rd, Merrick

New York Liberty vs. Indiana Fever @ 2pm / $35-$1100

Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn

New York Mets vs. Cleveland Guardians @ 7:08pm

Citi Field, 120-01 Roosevelt Av‐enue, Flushing

Niklas Sivelov

@ 5pm / $25

A rare New York recital by noted Swedish pi‐anist, Niklas Sivelöv. Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washington. Richard@ landmarkonmain street.org, 516-7676444

Mon 5/22

Michelle Buteau @ 7:30pm

The Bell House, 149 7th St, Brooklyn

Tue 5/23

Jewish Learning Series

@ 12:30pm

Join the Mid Island Y JCC and a host of guest presenters for interesting and relevant lec‐tures and discussions related to Judaism and Jewish Culture.

APP New York City

Open @ 8am / $20

Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing

Wed 5/24 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Thu 5/25

Live at Five Outdoor Concert Series

Featuring The Dave Diamond Band @ 5pm / $5-$20

May 25th - May 26th

Join the Science Mu‐seum of Long Island for our 3rd Annual Live at Five Outdoor Concert Series. Guests are in‐vited to bring a blanket and chairs and enjoy a night of good old fash‐ioned family fun. Sci‐ence Museum of Long Island, 1526 North Plandome Road, Man‐hasset. liveat�ve@ smli.org, 516-629-9400

Fri 5/26

Cuthbert Live: Solo at Allegria Hotel @ 7:30pm

ALLEGRIA HOTEL, 80 W Broadway, Long Beach

Nate Charlie Music @ 9pm

The Wine Cellar on Main, 70 Main St, Northport

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CELEBRATING OVER 100 YEARS OF A PAINTING LEGACY:

Q & A with Facundo Lorenzo Silva about the history of Silva’s Painting, and the cost and rewards of being a professional Painting Contractor in New York

How did Silva’s Painting start?

Silva’s Painting brings four generations of quality work to all of our clients. It all started with a young Jose Russo who purchased some basic equipment, and thus began his journey as a painter. Before long, Jose became a trusted painter in his city. Fast forward twenty years later, and Eleodoro Augustin Silva, a passionate entrepreneur, was able to build important relationships with other contractors and homeowners which propelled Silva’s Painting to become the largest painting company in Miramar, Argentina. Eleodoro’s son, Carlos Silva, while pursuing the American Dream, left his family’s thriving painting business to blaze a new trail in New York. Carlos’ hard work paid off and inspired his very own children to follow in his footsteps and keep the family tradition and business alive. I’m proud to say that I was able to take over my family’s painting legacy, and watch Silva’s Painting become a household name on Long Island and in New York City.

What do you think makes Silva’s Painting stand out from other painting businesses?

Not only do we have a great depth of experience in this feld, but we have a family pride that is unparalleled by other residential and commercial painting operations. For Silva’s Painting, it starts and ends with our superior customer service. We strive to give each and every one of our clients the best experience possible. Any type of home renovation undoubtedly is a signifcant task for the homeowner to undertake, so we take great pleasure in making this process smooth for our clients. All that’s left for our clients to do is enjoy the results of their newly painted home!

What services do you currently offer?

At this moment, we offer various sized painting jobs in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. We have experience in many things, including wallpaper hanging, faux painting, carpentry, hardwood foor refnishing, and basic internal and external paint jobs. We have even offered services in restoring old Tudor and Victorian homes.

What does Silva’s Painting offer to the sale or purchase of a home?

Based on market research, painting the interior of your home can yield a 107% ROI, while exterior painting sits at a healthy 55% ROI. Curb appeal and the interior aesthetic of a home is crucial in the sale of any home. With neutral colors, potential buyers can visualize themselves living in the space much more easily given most furnishings will seamlessly compliment them. Light neutral colors tend to also assist with making smaller rooms feel larger, while darker neutrals can give larger rooms a cozier touch.

What is the best business advice you ever received and can offer?

Being a family business, the best advice came from my elders. My grandfather taught me that the long lasting connections you make with those around you will be a key to success, and my father showed me what true work ethic really is. Being a business owner sometimes means working around the clock, but when I see the satisfaction on my clients’ faces after seeing their completed job, it all becomes worth it!

If I could give advice to anyone starting a business, it would be this: pour yourself into your passion and remember that the more energy you put in, the more you will achieve. Be patient while striving for success and try to enjoy the process.

Business&RealEstate

Real estate designations, their importance

I hope every mother had an enjoyable, fun, and relaxing Mother’s Day and was pampered as they should be every day; for without them, the world wouldn’t exist.

Many consumers and homeowners have always asked me what my designations mean and what the benefts are for them when considering hiring me.

My frst designation was a G.R.I. which I earned almost 20 years ago, which is the Graduate of the Realtor Institute (a version of a real estate MBA), online link GRI designation.

It encompasses 90 hours of continuing education (8 modules) beyond a brokers or salesperson’s license and the course allows you up to 5 years to complete. Included are advanced fnancing, negotiating, statistics, technology, legal and regulatory issues, current laws, procedures, professional standards, market knowledge, handling sellers and buyers, the sales process, business skills, prospecting, MLS, systems and tools, and much more.

This designation provides you with what is needed and necessary to be miles ahead of those who do not seek the required education to scale their businesses. Median income was $61,000 compared to $31,000 of a non-designee in a study in 2012, the last time a study was done by The National Association of Realtors; and

is most likely higher in 2022, but there are no stats to go by.

The knowledge, expertise, and professionalism that is learned go far beyond what the typical Broker, Associate Broker, or salesperson currently knows and understands.

The Certifed International Property Specialist) online link: CIPS designation is the next extremely important and crucial designation that a Realtor should consider undertaking to gain a wide spectrum of knowledge about various cultures and their specifc and varied customs.

Having comprehensive knowledge about major cultures, e.g. Chinese, Japanese, Muslim, Spanish, and others provides the groundwork to enable one to easily assimilate and handle those families and individuals that have specifc customs and mannerisms.

Some cultures kiss each cheek; others will hug or shake hands. Women are handled much diferently and not knowing the custom when meeting, could cause an embarrassment and a loss of a very valuable client and potential sale.

Many years ago, I recorded our instructor, David Lauster, (who was the head person at the Department of State, who constructed, upgraded, bought, and sold our U.S. Embassies around the globe), who conveyed a story about a Chinese couple, who were relocating to

Florida to manage a Marriot Hotel. It is hilarious.

To earn your C.I.P.S. designation, one must complete two core courses and three elective courses and submit your designation application demonstrating 100 points of international experience.

All courses are available online or in person and are valid for three years. Courses completed more than three years prior to the submission of your application must be retaken to receive credit towards the education requirement for the designation, online link: CIPS desig-

nation.

The “Green” designation, link: Green designation is ofered by the National Association of Realtors.

his prepares you to gain a vast knowledge of energy efciency and sustainability about low carbon footprint construction, solar heating and electricity savings, geothermal heating and air conditioning, the new cutting-edge 3D-printed foundations, and much more.

My son, Matt is a lead certifed project manager in New York City and practices all these types of construction with buildings that are labeled platinum, gold, or silver by adhering to very strict and comprehensive building codes and regulations.

The economic savings are substantial and the reduced impact on our environment now and in the future. All states and cities will adopt these stricter codes for all building construction in the future.

Our environment dictates what needs to be considered and makes it a necessity to have the least efect and stress on our globe.

Earning the GRI, CIPS, and GREEN designations will go a very long way in enabling Realtors to acquire and achieve greater knowledge and be on top of their game for the future of construction and our fragile environment so we will leave the next generation as prepared as pos-

MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)

sible in dealing with the ever-changing weather, increasing temperatures and the serious efect on humans, animals, and vegetation.

Lastly, earning your C.I.P.S. designation and learning how to properly address and deal with the various cultures and their habits, when selling, investing, purchasing, renting, and leasing residential and commercial properties will be a valuable asset in your toolbox.

The links below are clickable online to donate (if you are a subscriber or become one, go to Subscription Ofers to provide to a friend or business associate) to go online to read my 350+ archived columns: Philip A Raices

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave., Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 40 years of experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a graduate of the Realtor Institute and also as a Certifed International Property Specialist as well as the National Association of Realtors “Green Industry” Certifcation for ecofriendly construction and upgrades. For a free 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com and visit our site: https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com

Most likely, you are already using MFA. If you’ve received an email that sends you a code to enter, or a text message that dings to alert you to take action, that is MFA. The common thread is they require additional proof of identity, beyond the log-in, when accessing sensitive information.

With cybercrime now exploding, small and midsize businesses (SMBs) must be proactive to protect their critical data. This includes access to their networks, accounting systems and operational systems, hosted both locally and in the cloud. Every SMB has its own considerations. Some need email encryption, most need secure VPNs to support remote workers.

President and Founder Sandwire Technology Group

Sandwire advises and implements robust cybersecurity services to shield SMBs from harm. MFA is but one arrow in our quiver.

PHILIP A. RAICES

Real Estate Watch

Business& RealEstate

FCA’s Reynolds recognized

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing presented Jeffrey Reynolds, with its lifetime achievement award during NatCon23, the organization’s annual conference and the biggest industry event in the field of substance use and mental health treatment and care.

Reynolds received his award during a general session at NatCon23 in Los Angeles, Calif., where more than 5,000 healthcare professionals gathered recently to learn and network.

The National Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals for their tireless efforts and commitment to improving the lives of those living with mental health and substance use challenges.

Reynolds is president and CEO of FCA (Family and Children’s Association), one of Long Island, New York’s oldest and largest human services agencies. Each year FCA provides vital support services to more than 35,000 vulnerable children,families, seniors and communities onLong Island.

A fierce advocate for underserved persons and communities, Dr. Reynolds is tireless in his efforts to get suburban communities to recognize the opioid epidemic occurring in their own backyards.

Under his leadership, FCA opened three THRIVE Recovery Centers over the past five years and launched its Sherpa-Certified Recovery Peer Advocate program, a beacon of guidance and support for 90 percent of overdose survivors now in longterm recovery.

“I’m so proud to present this award to Dr. Reynolds and recognize his achievements over the past 30 years,” National Council for Mental Wellbeing President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia said. “His efforts on Long Island and throughout New York have supported people and families over many decades. I’m grateful for his thoughtful leadership and deeply impressed by his accomplishments.”

Even as the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Reynolds will continue to work to achieve real change on Long Island through the design and launch of innovative programs that address emerging needs

within the Long Island community.

His previous roles include serving as executive director of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and vice president for public affairs at Long Island Association for AIDS Care.

Reynolds also co-founded BiasHELP of Long Island, an organization dedicated to assisting victims of hate crimes and their families. As BiasHELP’s chief operating officer, he secured federal, state and local grants and launched a wide array of crime victim assistance services and school-based violence prevention programs.

In 2016, Reynolds was appointed by the New York State governor to serve on New York’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force. He is also the longest-standing member of the New York State AIDS Advisory Council, serving for more than 25 years, and is currently policy committee chair of the New York State Council of Community Behavioral Health.

“Jeffrey Reynolds has done so much for so many people over the years,” Ingoglia said. “I’m honored that we can show our gratitude by presenting him with our Lifetime Achievement Award.”

PHOTO BY REBECCA KLAR

Jeffrey Reynolds, FCA CEO and president, joined Lynn Vanderhall’s family, former students and colleagues as they renamed the nursery in her honor.

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Santos cuts plea deal for 2008 theft Brazil

Continued from Page 6

Two years later, Santos confessed to the crime and was later charged, according to the Times.

Santos previously disputed those claims, telling the New York Post, “I am not a criminal here- not here or in Brazil or any jurisdiction in the world.”

On Thursday, the congressman agreed to pay 24,000 reais, or close to $5,000, to the shopkeeper and other charities, according to the Associated Press.

Santos has 30 days to pay the settlement, at which time the case will be dismissed, according to the Washington Post.

Santos’ lawyer in Brazil, Jonymar Vasconcelos, told the Associated Press Thursday that “what would have been the start of a case was ended today,” and that Santos “is no longer the subject of any case in Brazil.”

Efforts to reach officials for further comment were unavailing.

While the case against Santos in Brazil will reportedly be dismissed once the nearly $5,000 in funds are paid, the Republican congressman still

faces a federal indictment that could land him in prison for 20 years, if convicted of top charges, officials said.

Santos pleaded not guilty to the 13-count indictment, which includes seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds and two counts of making materially false statements to Congress, on Wednesday.

Santos described the indictment and probe into his personal, professional and financial background as a “witch hunt,” according to the Associated Press.

“This is the beginning of the ability for me to address and defend myself,” Santos told reporters, according to the Associated Press.

Santos’ attorney, Joseph Murray, told reporters that he and his client cannot take the charges put forward by federal prosecutors lightly.

“Any time the federal government comes after you it’s a serious case,” Murray said, according to the Associated Press. “We have to take this seriously.” His next court appearance is scheduled for June 30, according to NBC News.

Northwell cardiothoracic programs called superior

All four Northwell Health hospitals with cardiothoracic surgery programs – Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, Staten Island University Hospital and South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore – earned prestigious three-star quality overall ratings in several cardiac surgical categories analyzed by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. The latest report included data from 982 cardiothoracic surgical programs across the United States and Canada.

The STS report, which reported outcomes from January 2020 to December 2022, showed all four Northwell hospitals with cardiothoracic surgery programs achieved a top three-star quality rating for the procedure known as isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.

An open-heart surgery, CABG creates a new path for blood to flow around blockages in a coronary artery. The surgical team takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and the vessel is connected below the blocked heart artery. The new pathway improves blood flow to the heart. According to STS, 19.4 percent of participants that were scored for CABG surgery received three stars in this category.

“I congratulate all of our cardiothoracic teams and dedicated health care professionals at North Shore, Lenox Hill, South Shore and Staten Island for achieving the highest quality ratings by the STS in CABG as their superb outcomes in other cardiac surgical categories,” said Dr. Alan R. Hartman, senior vice president and executive director of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Northwell Health, and NSUH’s chair of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. “The superior ratings reflect the commitment and collective expertise of our teams that provide several types of the most advanced open-heart surgeries, in which outcomes are benchmarked against cardiac surgery programs nationally. This ensures we are delivering the highest quality health care to our cardiac surgery patients across the region.”

The STS star rating system is one of the most sophisticated and highly regarded overall measures of quality in health care nationally. In addition to CABG, the society rates the outcomes of cardiothoracic surgery programs in the following categories: isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery, CABG + AVR surgery, isolated mitral valve replacement/repair and CABG + mitral valve replacement/repair surgery.

The STS report showed Sandra Atlas Bass

Heart Hospital and SIUH earned the prestigious three-star quality overall rating in isolated mitral valve replacement/repair, with 10 percent of participants scored receiving this rating; SSUH received three stars for CABG+ aortic valve replacement, representing only 4.2 percent of participants scored; and Lenox Hill achieved a three-star rating for CABG + mitral valve replacement/repair, which was among 7.2 percent of cardiothoracic surgical participants scored to earn the top rating. STS ratings are calculated using a combination of quality measures for specific procedures.

“Northwell’s cardiothoracic teams are dynamic, highly skilled and passionate about the care they deliver every day to our patients, which is demonstrated in the superior three-star quality ratings our programs have earned in the latest STS report,” said Dr. S. Jacob Scheinerman, chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and vice president of the western region of Northwell Health’s Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. “Innovation is extremely important and we are continually raising the bar to achieve the best possible surgical outcomes. Equally important is the tailored care our patients receive before and after surgery in our health system because we are focused on integrating and optimizing every aspect of care for patients and their loved ones.”

To help cardiac surgery patients with care after they are discharged from the hospital, Northwell offers the “Follow Your Heart” program, which offers home visits to patients after they have undergone certain types of open-heart surgery. A nurse practitioner or physician assistant is available to follow patients through their recovery to provide timely care, alleviate concerns and decrease preventable hospital readmissions.

A nonprofit organization representing more than 7,600 surgeons, researchers and other health professionals worldwide, STS strives to ensure the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lungs, esophagus and other procedures within the chest by enhancing the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality of care through education, research and advocacy.

Participation in the STS adult cardiac surgery database is voluntary, highlighting the importance of Northwell’s commitment to quality improvement and transparency of outcomes.

For information about the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Public Reporting, see the society’s website: https://publicreporting.sts.org

Santos pleads not guilty to fed indictment

Continued from Page 1

nounced Wednesday.

He was arrested Wednesday morning and pleaded not guilty to U.S. Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay at the federal courthouse in Central Islip.

Santos described the indictment and probe into his personal, professional and financial background as a “witch hunt,” according to the Associated Press.

“This is the beginning of the ability for me to address and defend myself,” Santos told reporters, according to the Associated Press.

Santos’ attorney, Joseph Murray, told reporters that he and his client cannot take the charges put forward by federal prosecutors lightly.

“Any time the federal government comes after you it’s a serious case,” Murray said, according to the Associated Press. “We have to take this seriously.”

Efforts to reach officials for further comment were unavailing.

Santos told reporters that he would not be resigning from Congress, according to Newsday.

The FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice have been investigating the congressman’s campaign filings. Santos told the Associated Press on Tuesday that he was unaware of the charges against him.

Santos, in 2022, allegedly defrauded prospective political sup-

porters and used a Queens-based political consultant to tell donors that their money would be used for his congressional campaign, officials said. A pair of unidentified donors transferred $25,000 each into an LLC controlled by Santos before those funds were transferred to San-

tos’ personal bank accounts, officials said.

Santos allegedly used the funds for personal purchases, withdrew cash, transfer money to his associates and settle personal debts, officials said.

In June 2020, officials said, San-

tos was employed as a regional director for a Florida-based investment firm, but applied for government assistance through the New York State Department of Labor, claiming he had been unemployed since March 2020. From March 2020 to April 2021, officials said, Santos received more than $24,000 in fraudulent unemployment insurance benefits.

In May 2020, Santos filed two fraudulent House Disclosures in connection with his unsuccessful run for Congress against former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, officials said.

In those disclosures, he allegedly overstated the income he received from a second company he worked at and did not disclose the salary he received from the Florida-based investment firm, according to officials.

In September 2022, during his most recent run for Congress, Santos falsely claimed he earned $750,000 in salary from the Devolder Organization LLC, which he was the sole beneficial owner, received between $1,00,001 and $5,000,000 in dividends from the Devolder Organization LLC, had a checking account with deposits between $100,001 and $250,000 and had a savings accounts with deposits between $1,000,001 and $5,000,000, according to officials.

He also failed to disclose to the House that he received around $28,000 in income from the Florida-

based investment firm and more than $20,000 in unemployment benefits from the labor department, according to officials.

Santos defeated Democrat Robert Zimmerman in the 3rd Congressional District election in November. He announced the launch of his reelection campaign last month, despite a lack of support from local and state GOP organizations, including the Nassau County Republican Party.

The FBI and justice department’s probe into Santos’ political finance history is one of the various investigations the congressman is at the center of since the unearthing of falsehoods in his resume in January.

The Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit organization that aims to advance democracy through the law, questioned the newly elected congressman’s influx of wealth after he reported a salary of $55,000 in 2020, which rose to $750,000 in 2022 and $1 million to $5 million in dividends.

The organization also called the congressman’s $705,000 loan to his campaign into question, claiming he falsified reports on nearly 40 expenditure filings under $200.

The center filed the complaint with the Federal Election Commission and the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice in January.

The Federal Election Commission said in a letter to the Devolder Santos Nassau Victory Committee that three donors made contributions exceeding the legal limits by $76,000.

The House Ethics Committee launched a formal investigation into Santos in March and will scrutinize his most recent congressional campaign, officials announced.

The committee will determine if the embattled representative failed to properly disclose information and statements to Congress, engaged in sexual misconduct with someone seeking employment in his D.C. office and violated potential federal conflict-of-interest laws.

“William, you were always my hero. I wanted to be just like you, but I didn't play football or basketball like 'The Will', just didn't have your touch. I enjoyed watching you and was always proud to be your brother. Never does a day go by that I do not think of you. What would it be like to be able to call you. I have told my daughters about you letting me drive Mom and Dad’s new car around Tarboro although I was only 14 years old. October 2, 1970, Daddy’s birthday and the day that changed my life. You were my hero before Nam and you are still and one day I hope to walk with you again. I Love you. Mike”

Help us find a photo for ever y name on The Wall

Each name on The Wall represents a family who was forever changed by their loss

Help us find photos for the Wall of Faces to ensure that those who sacr ificed all in Vietnam are never forgotten.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SANTOS CAMPAIGN Republican U.S. Rep. George Santos.

WILLIAM J ALLSBROOK Jr

Post defeats Aitken in Manhasset

Continued from Page 1

in all other budget items.

Other budget items that mainly contribute to the increase include a $310,000 investment in the district’s special education program, a $270,000 increase in the district’s information technology department, a $93,000 increase toward facility enhancements and $63,000 for curriculum and instruction.

The budget also includes $5.2 million in state aid, an increase of $150,000 from last year. The district, according to Superinten-

dent Gaurav Passi, will allocate $724,000 in anticipated revenue received this year and allocated for the 2023-24 tax levy.

Passi previously said the budget is “under stress” due to the rising cost of health insurance and other items, so the district is unable to transfer $125,000 to its repair reserve like it did last year.

The repair reserve, Passi said, has more than $400,000 allocated to handle any “unanticipated repair issues that fall outside of the typical repair maintenance projects.”

Olympian Sarah Hughes to run for CD4

Continued from Page 10

for the largest township in the United States from 2018-19, was the first Democrat elected to the position in a century in an upset over incumbent Anthony Santino.

Prior to serving as supervisor, Gillen worked at the law firm of Westerman Ball Ederer Miller Zucker & Sharfstein.

Gillen stressed the importance of having Long Island have equal Democratic and Republican representatives., a trend which shifted to all Republicans after the 2022 election. The former supervisor said D’Esposito’s political affiliations are

harmful for 4th District residents and Long Island.

“Anthony D’Esposito has aligned himself with Kevin McCarthy and Marjorie Taylor Greene and celebrates putting our economy on the brink of collapse and cutting critical national programs for public safety, veterans, seniors and our schools,” she said. “Historically, Long Island’s congressional delegation had a long tradition of bipartisan representation, where voices on both sides collectively advocated for residents from Atlantic Beach to Montauk.”

Gillen also touted the need to introduce common sense gun leg-

islation, protect a woman’s right to choose and to “preserve and strengthen the middle class.”

New York’s 4th Congressional District could be eyed by Democrats as one to potentially flip in 2024, according to The New Republic.

D’Esposito is one of 18 House Republicans that represent districts President Joe Biden won in 2020. Biden won NY-4 by 17 points, according to multiple reports.

The congressman voted in favor of passing the Limit, Save, Grow Act, which passed 217-215 with all but four House Republicans voting for it.

Within the bill was a provision

to raise the debt ceiling through next year and $131 billion in cuts to discretionary domestic spending, according to The New Republic.

Gillen was endorsed by former Democratic 4th District U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice in her campaign last year. She defeated Malverne Mayor Keith Corbett, Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages and Muzibul Huq in last year’s Democratic Primary race.

Gillen received more than 12,400 votes, 63%, in the 4th Congressional Primary, while Solages received 4,811, Corbett received 2,169 and Huq received 297 votes.

Ex-mariner relinquishes license

Continued from Page 11

violence since 2019 in a 23-page report released earlier this year.

A total of 26 alleged sexual assault incidents and 35 sexual or gender-based harassment, stalking or relationship violence incidents occurred over the past three years, as of Dec. 15, the academy said.

Female midshipmen were the survivors of 20 sexual assaults during the 3-1/2-year analysis. Female midshipmen were also survivors of 22 of the alleged harassment, stalking or violence incidents, according to the report.

Additionally, there were 13 “restricted” and 22 “unrestricted” reports, with one case being transferred to the FBI to probe and two individuals leaving the academy, according to the report.

“Restricted” reports indicate the incident was disclosed to a sexual assault response coordinator or victim advocate, though no official investigation was requested, officials said. “Unrestricted” reports resulted in an administrative investigation and provided the victim with an opportunity to notify law enforcement.

State aid boosts local schools

Continued from Page 2

The average state aid for the 11 school districts last year was $14.3 million and increased more than 21% from the prior year, a Blank Slate Media analysis in 2022 revealed.

The average increase for all the school districts was a higher percentage than the four districts where minority enrollment was greater than white enrollment.

The four school districts whose 202122 minority enrollment was greater than their white enrollment are Great Neck, Herricks, New Hyde Park-Garden City Park and Sewanhaka.

Minority enrollment is comprised of black, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and other non-white students, according to the state’s Education Department.

The average 31% increase in state aid for the 11 school districts this year is greater than the 27% increase in Great Neck, 21% in Sewanhaka and 18% in New Hyde Park-Garden City Park.

Aside from Herricks, the only other districts above the average percentage increase of state aid were North Shore at 43%, Roslyn at 43%, East Williston at 37% and Floral Park-Bellerose at 32%.

PHOTO COURTESY OF POST

Newly-elected Manhasset school board trustee Ted Post.

Partnering to stock town facilities with Narcan kits

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the town’s Substance Misuse Advisory Council announced Tuesday a partnership with the Long Island Council Against Drug Dependence to supply the own with Narcan kits to be placed in visible locations in buildings, parks, and facilities around the Town of North Hempstead.

The announcement coincides with National Fentanyl Awareness Day, a day intended to highlight eforts nationwide to increase awareness and decrease demand for fentanyl, a drug that continues to fuel the opioid epidemic.

“The opioid epidemic has hit dangerous new heights in the past year, with over 110,000 people dying nationwide due to drug overdoses, which equates to over 300 people a day,” De-

Sena said. “Narcan has helped save many lives, and while I hope these kits never need to be used, I felt it was important to secure their placement on Town property to make sure we will always be prepared in the case of an emergency. Thank you to LICADD for your generous donation of these Narcan kits.”

Before becoming became town supervisor, DeSena dedicated her time and energy to educating and empower parents and families about the risks of alcohol and other drugs as the Executive Director of the Manhasset Coalition Against Substance Abuse. In her frst year in ofce,

DeSena established the town’s Substance Misuse Advisory Council to help combat the scourge of the opioid epidemic. Recently, Supervisor DeSena hosted a community forum in part-

Voters league honors local leaders

The League of Women Voters of Port WashingtonManhasset will honor Marvin Makofsky and Judy Esterquest for their signifcant contributions to our community at a bufet brunch on June 11 at 11:30 am at the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club, 455 Main St., Port Washington.

The League of Women Voters serves East Williston, Glen Cove, Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, Great Neck, Manhasset, North Hills, Port Washington, Roslyn, Roslyn Harbor, Roslyn Heights, Sea Clif and Williston Park.

Makofsky is the founder of Plant A Row for the Hungry in Port Washington. Their mission is to “mobilize the Port Washington Community to grow and distribute locally grown produce to our food insecure families and impact climate change as it relates to growing food.”

The organization also educates children and adults about proper, sustainable gardening techniques and provides opportunities for artists to create and display their talents across the community via large painted pots that house growing vegetables.

Other initiatives include a summer adult/student vegetable growing program to fght hunger and climate change, partnerships with the Nicholas Center for Autism and the Helen Keller National Center Garden for Adults and Students and much more.

Since 2010, Plant a Row for the Hungry has delivered over 57,000 pounds of produce for the hungry.

Esterquest is currently an elected trustee of the Manhasset Public Library and has served in that capacity since 2016. Esterquest also served several terms on the Manhasset School Community Association as treasurer of the Elected Board and she co-chaired the District Committee on restructuring the grade schools.

Judy Esterquest, League of Women Voters. (Photo courtesy of The League of Women Voters of Port Washington-Manhasset)

Esterquest currently serves as Health Chair for the league and is on the Health Committee for the League of Women Voters of New York State and the League of Women Voters of United States Health Care Reform network.

Please join us in celebrating the contributions of our honorees and supporting the League of Women Voters of Port Washington-Manhasset.

Tickets are $100. Tickets for rafes can also be purchased. Sponsorships are still available and are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.

For more information or to register online, go to the League of Women Voters of Port WashingtonManhasset website: https://lwvofpwm.org/; or mail a check made payable to “LWVPWM” and addressed to LWVPWM, P.O. Box 305, Port Washington, NY 11050.

For more information or questions call 516-3806248

The League of Women Voters,a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and infuences public policy through education and advocacy. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. The League of Women Voters of Port Washington-Manhasset is a 501(c)3 organization.

nership with LICADD, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Attorney’s Ofce for the Eastern District of New York, and other groups regarding the devastating fentanyl poisoning crisis and opioid epidemic.

“The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) is proud to partner with the Town and commends the leadership of North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jen DeSena for addressing and responding to the public health issue of the ongoing opioid epidemic and its adverse impact on Long Island families at an alarming rate,” Steve Chassman, executive director of LICADD said. “It’s imperative that we protect our Long Island communities by expanding access to Narcan kits as we work to provide community awareness and education.”

Sid Jacobson JCC’s ‘Eat. Bid. Laugh!’ raises $1.6M

Sid Jacobson JCC – the only full-service JCC on Long Island’s North Shore – welcomed hundreds of people on May 4 at “Eat. Bid. Laugh!,” a fundraising gala that raised nearly $1.6 million for Kehilla Scholarships and the Sheldon A. Sinett BASICS Fund for the frst time since the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the past three years of the same event.

Kehilla Scholarships are a way to ensure children with special needs (ages 5 – 21) can experience a summer of a lifetime at the JCC’s Camp Kehilla at Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds.

BASICS – an incubator fund –supports innovative social service programs developed by SJJCC staf in response to community needs. Some of the programs include Camp Kehilla, The Nancy Marks Cancer Wellness Center,

Program Without Walls, and The Community Needs Bank, to name a few.

The fundraiser and auction at the Garden City Hotel featured nationally-renowned Mike Birbiglia, a comedian, storyteller, director, and actor. Birbiglia, who has starred in two Netfix specials, was the recipient of the 2017 Kurt Vonnegut Award for humor.

“To see so many friends, members, staf, board, and guests gathered together to laugh with one another again after three years away due to the pandemic was a blessing in and of itself,” said David Levy, Sid Jacobson JCC’s board president. “Compounded with such an outpouring of generosity warms the hearts of everyone involved in this huge undertaking. On behalf of everyone at Sid Jacobson, our

collective thanks are extended to everyone who came out and contributed to such a worthwhile cause and had such a fun evening together.”

“I was absolutely thrilled to be with such a great crowd for such a worthwhile cause,” said Birbiglia. “The work done by everyone at Sid Jacobson JCC for this event is without comparison. I was just happy to be able to play a small role in its success and it was great to see people gathered together again after so much time spent apart. Kudos to the staf and everyone who contributed to making the night possible and who gave so openly to help members of their community on Long Island.”

To see a list of restaurants and sponsor organizations for the event, click here.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF PORT WASHINGTON-MANHASSET

Marvin Makofsky, founder of Plant A Row for the Hungry, Port Washington.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE FAUST

Sid Jacobson JCC Board President David Levy speaks at “Eat. Bid. Laugh,” on Thursday, May 4.

1st graders perform ‘math surgery’ Virtual Enterprise students

First graders at Searingtown Elementary in Herricks School District recently participated in “Math Surgery.” The students dressed as doctors as they rotated around the organ-

themed tables set up in the gymnasium. At each table, students performed ten diferent math-related activities practicing diferent versions of place value.

At the May 4 Herricks Board of Education meeting, 14 Herricks High School Virtual Enterprise students were recognized for advancing to the fnal round in the Virtual Enterprise National QuickBooks Competition and the National Championship round of the Oral Business Plan Presentation Competition.

The eight students who advanced to the fnal round of the National QuickBooks Competition were: Michael Joseph, Gavin Lee, Guojie Ni, Shristi Nigam, Nicholas Pappalardo, Ammar Patel, Sartaj Singh and Noah Tesch. As part of their presentation, they presented a fve-minute oral presentation to a panel of judges. Their presentation included a brief company overview, how the students structured the internal controls of the company, as well as a walk-through of the company’s proft and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash fow statement.

The six students who advanced in the Oral Business Plan presentation

were: Jocelyn Chiu, Connie Huang, Carolyn Lau, Lauren Lui, Joshua Park and Lauren Tran. Those students presented a 10-minute oral presentation

that covers their entire business plan. The district extends congratulations to all on this wonderful accomplishment.

Herricks High School Virtual Enterprise students surrounded by members of the Herricks Board of Education and Herricks Administration for advancing in the National QuickBooks Competition and Oral Business Plan Presentation Competition respectively.

Sewer district welcomes Legislator Mazi Pilip

The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District recently welcomed Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip for an in-person tour of its facility.

Prior to the tour, GNWPCD Chairman Jerry Landsberg, Commissioner Steve Reiter, Commissioner Patty Katz and Superintendent Christopher Murphy provided Pilip with a detailed presentation on what the district does to serve its community.

The district highlighted recent improvements and expansions to its operations and the ways in which its newest projects help save hundreds of thousands in taxpayer dollars every year.

“It was a pleasure to bring Legislator Pilip into our facility to discuss our day-to-day operations with her,” said Landsberg. “It is very important to us that our elected ofcials have a comprehensive understanding of what we do for our residents and the ways in which we strive to improve our services to the community. We thank her for visiting us and we look forward to working with her further into the future.”

Following the presentation, Pilip was provided with a frsthand look across the entirety of the GNWPCD plant and everything that goes into

treating more than 3 million gallons of wastewater every day.

Stops included the oxidation ditch where organic compounds are broken down and nitrogen levels are decreased, the microturbines that power the plant and the ultraviolet treatment building where wastewater is disinfected. District ofcials also detailed the grease receiving station, which recycles brown grease from restaurants into energy that powers the facility and is the frst of its kind in Nassau County.

The GNWPCD provides residents with the most advanced wastewater treatment practices available, and the District is thankful to have been given the opportunity to put them on display for the Legislator.

“Environmental concerns are a top priority for our entire community,” said Pilip. “Clean water, usage and protecting our water resources is a critical component for our health and welfare. I truly value the partnership between the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District and my ofce. Working together, we can continue to improve, expand and build upon their great successes. The Commissioners and staf work very hard, and I thank them for their service.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERRICKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERRICKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Great Neck Water Pollution Control District Commissioner Steve Reiter, left, Commissioner Patty Katz and Superintendent Christopher Murphy provided county Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip with a detailed and firsthand tour of the GNWPCD’s facility.

Wheatley star Rosenberg adding a new skill to repetoire

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

It needs work. It needs a lot of work.

It might be the only part of Dylan Rosenberg’s performance on the baseball diamond that isn’t up to par. The Wheatley senior shortstop is a wizard in the middle of the infield, snagging grounders and line drives and quarterbacking his unit as he as for the past four years on the Wildcats varsity.

At the plate, Rosenberg sprays hits to all fields, and drives the ball into the gap for extra-bases, tearing up opposing pitching like so much confetti at a championship parade.

But when Rosenberg really gets ahold of a ball this season and drives it over the fence, he goes into his home run trot. And well, it’s not really anything that would make Reggie Jackson or Sammy Sosa proud.

“I’m not real good at telling whether it’s going out or not,” he said with smile before a recent practice. “I start running hard and thinking it may go out, but most of the time I get to second base and look up and see that it’s over the fence. And then I slow down a little.

“But yeah,” he added sheepishly, “I need to work on that home run trot.”

Until this season, Rosenberg never had to

worry much about ambling around the bases while everyone else watched and hollered from the Wheatley dugout. He hit just one dinger in his career until 2023.

But this spring balls have been flying off Rosenberg’s bat, and he’s smacked five home runs.

That goes along with his usual dominance at the plate, which this season led to a .477 batting average, 24 RBI, 25 runs scored and only two strikeouts. Rosenberg and senior co-captain Brian McCleary (.358 average, 16 RBIs) have powered the Wheatley offense, a duo that’s been together since they were 8 years old playing on the Long Island Redmen.

“He doesn’t do anything badly at all, he’s just an amazing player,” McCleary said of his best buddy. “All these years together, we’ve brought out the best in each other, and he just makes so many incredible plays for us.”

Wheatley (13-6) is playing a best-of-three playoff series against East Rockaway starting May 15, and if they’re to win a third straight Nassau County title, you can be sure it’ll be Rosenberg who leads the way.

“Dylan is the full package on the baseball field,” first-year coach Dave Burke said. “He knows the game, rarely makes mistakes or is

out of position, and when he is, he’s the first guy to know it and take responsibility.”

Rosenberg attributes his power surge to a few factors: Increased offseason weight training that boosted his weight from 145 to 165, and paying much closer attention to nutrition. He’s been guided by Coach Burke’s son Tyler, a college player at the College of William & Mary, who Rosenberg said has helped him a lot.

“He’s helped me as far as having a consistent schedule and plan, and eating lots of protein and carbs,” Rosenberg said. “It was funny because I wasn’t sure how much (the weight) was going to help, and then in February we had a preseason workout, and out of like, seven pitches I hit four or five home runs.

“I was like ‘Wow!,” Rosenberg said.

Throughout his baseball journey with McCleary, Rosenberg has also been guided by older brother Kyle, who was Wheatley’s ace pitcher the last few years and now plays club baseball at Vanderbilt.

Since Dylan was a kid, he said, he was tagging along and wanting to be just like Kyle.

And together with McCleary, Rosenberg started travel ball at a young age and has continued to excel. In 2022 as a junior he batted .388 with 35 runs scored and 14 stolen bases.

“He has a great eye for strike zone, and just doesn’t chase bad pitches,” Burke said. “He and Brian, they’re like partners in crime, they’re really good together. Brian is the rah-rah yeller, and Dylan is more the quiet guy to settle everyone down.”

After his junior season Rosenberg attended college showcases and caught the eye of coaches, finally settling on Division III Oswego State to continue his career next year.

“They’ve got a highly respected coach (Scott Landers) who runs a great program, and I loved the campus up there,” Rosenberg said.

Both Rosenberg and McCleary agreed it would be strange to no longer be teammates after the next few weeks (McCleary’s headed to Adelphi University to play in college) but also know they’ve got a chance to leave their mark on the school they’ve known so well.

“I’m trying not to think about it, because I know it’ll be hard when it’s over,” Rosenberg said. “This school is all I’ve known for the last four years, and I’ve loved it. I hope we get one more championship.”

And maybe by the end of the season, Rosenberg will have finally learned a good home run trot.

PHOTO BY BERNADETTE QUINN AND MIKE SCATURRO.

The Wheatley School’s Dylan Rosenberg (2) has been a dominant force for the Wildcats this season.

Epstein, Gilliar re-elected to Port board

Continued from Page 3

challenges I have had in my life and I appreciate how it challenges me to think and see things from new and diferent perspectives,” Epstein said. “I do look forward to continuing that and I look forward to having my colleagues challenge me, the community challenge us and we all move forward for great growth and achievement within our Port Washington School District.”

Gilliar was re-elected for her third term on the board with 1,849 votes.

She previously told Blank Slate that her goals for another term have been consistent throughout her tenure on the board, one of which is actively working on fostering a benefcial relationship between parents and the district.

“I don’t think that relationship should ever be adversarial,” Gilliar said. “I think parents have an absolute right to advocate for their kids as long as they do it in a way where it’s respectful of the professionals who are educating their children.”

Sport Psychology

Dr. Tom Ferraro has specialized in sport psychology for 20 years and works in the fields of golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, football, wrestling, lacrosse, figure skating, gymnastics, softball, fencing and more. He has helped professional teams, Olympians and elite young athletes learn how to manage the intense pressure of competitive sports. He appears on both TV and radio and has sport psychology columns in 5 different newspapers and has been featured in The New York Times, Wall street Journal and the London Times. Golf Digest includes him in their list of top mental game gurus in America. For a consultation see below:

Williston Park Professional Center

2 Hillside Ave, Suite E. Williston Park NY 11596 (building parallel to E. Williston railroad station) drtomferraro.com drtferraro@aol.com

(516) 248-7189

SHELTER ROCK TENNIS CLUB

is pleased to announce that Miguel Cobbs has joined our club as our new Tennis Director. Miguel was previously the Director of Racquet Sports at Cherry Valley Country Club for 11 years and prior to that he was the pro at the Village Club of Sands Point for 8 years. He played #1 singles at Wayne State University and was ranked #8 in the mens Open in Florida. Miguel brings with him over 24 years of teaching experience, developing and implementing successful programs for juniors of all skill levels.

Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram - Shelterrocktennisclub.com

Also visit our website to take a tour of our club. We are accepting new memberships for the coming 2023 season including special rates for 45 and under!

Call Mike Losito/ General Manager at (516) 484-0100 for more information.

100 LONG ISLAND EXPY MANHASSET, NY 11030 | (516) 484-0100 WWW.SHELTERROCKTENNISCLUB.COM

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